Vinod M Jain
An FIR has been registered against BJP MLC C.T. Ravi at Chikkamagaluru Town Police Station following allegations that he made inflammatory and derogatory remarks against the Muslim community during a protest over the NEET examination controversy.
Meanwhile,the Karnataka Rajya Muslim Okkuta has demanded his immediate arrest, alleging that his speech was intended to incite communal hatred.
According to the complaint filed by Mudassir Pasha (36), President of Jamia Masjid,Chikkamagaluru,Ravi allegedly made the remarks during a BJP protest held at Azad Park on July 23 against demonstrations over the alleged NEET examination irregularities.
The complainant alleged that Ravi questioned the connection between”Mullahs”and the NEET issue and made remarks to the effect that “even if a Mullah’s chest is split open,three letters(education) would not be found,” besides referring to “CAA,NRC,NEET” and allegedly branding Muslims as a “tukde gang.”
The complaint states that the speech was circulated on social media and contained derogatory references to the Muslim community,with the intention of promoting enmity,disturbing communal harmony,and provoking conflict between communities.
Based on the complaint,Chikkamagaluru Town Police have registered a case and initiated further legal action.
Meanwhile,in a press release issued on Saturday,the Karnataka Rajya Muslim Okkuta condemned Ravi’s alleged remarks as”shocking and highly provocative” and demanded his immediate arrest.
The organisation alleged that the BJP leader had attempted to insult Muslim religious leaders,provoke communal divisions,and divert attention from the nationwide protests over the alleged NEET examination irregularities.
The Okkuta claimed that students and youth across the country have been protesting against the alleged NEET scam and demanding accountability from the Union Government.
It accused the BJP of resorting to communal polarisation instead of addressing public concerns.
The organisation further alleged that Ravi’s comments could disturb communal harmony and spread hatred against a particular community.It urged the Karnataka government to initiate stringent legal action against him without delay.
The press release was issued by Suhail Maroor,Media Spokesperson and one of the convenors of the Karnataka Rajya Muslim Okkuta.
Based on the complaint the police registered an FIR against CT Ravi charging him with section 353(2) BNS deals with making, publishing,or circulating false statements,rumours,or reports with intent to create or promote hatred,ill-will,or enmity between different groups on grounds such as religion,race,language,caste, or community,or which are likely to disturb public tranquillity for further investigation.
