BJP MLC and former Karnataka Minister CT Ravi has been booked by the Chikkamagaluru city police for allegedly making a provocative speech promoting hatred and communal disharmony during a public meeting held in connection with the controversy over the National Eligibility for Entrance Test (NEET).
The case was registered on Friday night based on a complaint filed by Jama Masjid president Mudassir Pasha, who alleged that Rafi’s speech contained objectionable remarks against the Muslim community and could have disturbed communal harmony.
The controversy stems from the ‘Youth for the Nation’ program organized by the BJP at Azad Park Circle in Chikkamagaluru on Thursday. During the event, Ravi criticized the protests in New Delhi over the alleged leak of NEET question paper and questioned the participation of members of the Muslim community in the agitation.
According to the complaint, Ravi’s remarks were insulting, hurt the religious sentiments of Muslims and tried to create hatred between communities. The complainant urged the police to take strict legal action, alleging that such speeches would disturb public peace and communal harmony.
After preliminary examination of the complaint and its supporting materials, the Chikkamagaluru City Police registered a criminal case and initiated investigation.
Confirming the development, Additional Superintendent of Police, Chikkamagaluru, Jaya Kumar, said, “On Friday night, we booked a case at Chikkamagaluru city police station against CT Ravi for provocative speech promoting hatred and disharmony between communities. We will issue notice to him to appear for investigation.”
A notice will be sent to Ravi directing him to appear before the investigating officer to record his statement as part of the investigation, the police said.
Investigators are also examining video footage of the public meeting, recordings of the speech, social media clips and other materials to determine whether the statements attract provisions for promoting hostility and disturbing communal harmony.
