Karnataka Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar on Monday reiterated her resolve to pursue justice against BJP MLC CT Ravi, accusing him of using a derogatory word against her during a legislative session.

Hebbalkar announced plans to escalate the situation, including seeking intervention from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and even President Droupadi Murmu.

“There is no question of forgiving Ravi at any cost,” Hebbalkar said. “If I get the chance, I will meet the Prime Minister and tell him about the injustice that happened to me.”

The incident took place on December 19 during an altercation at the Legislative Council, during which Ravi allegedly called her a “prostitute”. He was arrested later in the evening from Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi based on Hebbalkar’s complaint.

Speaking to reporters, Hebbalkar expressed shock and dismay, saying: “For two days, I was silent because I was shocked. I had never heard anything like that from anyone. I fought for 26 years and got to this point, fighting against injustice.

Hebbalkar also criticized BJP leaders, including state BJP president BY Vijayendra and Leader of Opposition R Ashoka, for supporting Ravi. “I pity my Panchamasali Lingayat community leaders, Basangouda Patil Yatnal and Arvind Bellad, for supporting a person who disgusted a woman. It’s for the good of politics and their party that they do this.”

She accused Ravi of marching across the state, garlanding and glorifying despite his alleged misbehavior. “If he has any conscience, he should tell the women in his family that he feels guilty,” she demanded.

Hebbalkar stressed his commitment to ensuring Ravi faces the consequences. “I will fight, and this Laxmi Hebbalkar will not rest until he is punished for insulting the women’s community by using this derogatory word,” she said, adding that she was considering to disclose evidence to support its claims.

The controversy also drew attention to allegations of mistreatment of Ravi in ​​police custody. Ravi, released on December 20 by interim order of the High Court, alleged human rights violations, including being taken on tour without adequate food and rest. Hebbalkar dismissed the allegations as political theater.

“Who took you (Ravi) on tour, why? The police did what had to be done according to the law,” she remarked, questioning the injuries displayed by Ravi. “What is the injury that happened to him?” How many injuries? How many points? He covered his head with a bandage. I was pained by Ravi’s words, but I am ready to face a hundred of these Ravis.

The High Court, while ordering Ravi’s release, found procedural flaws in his arrest and asked him to cooperate in the ongoing investigation. Meanwhile, Hebbalkar urged authorities to speed up the police investigation and forensic analysis.

“They (BJP) stand behind a person who used a derogatory word against a woman in the House and congratulate him. Their masks must be removed,” she said.