BJP MLC C.T. Ravi Faces FIR Over Remarks During NEET Protest

An FIR has been registered against Karnataka BJP MLC C.T. Ravi at the Chikkamagaluru Town Police Station following allegations that he made inflammatory remarks against the Muslim community during a protest over the NEET examination controversy.

The complaint was filed by Mudassir Pasha, president of Jamia Masjid, Chikkamagaluru. According to the complaint, Ravi made the remarks during a BJP protest at Azad Park on July 23 against demonstrations over alleged NEET examination irregularities.

The police registered the FIR under Section 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with making or publishing 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.

The complainant alleged that Ravi questioned the connection between “Mullahs” and the NEET issue, referred to CAA, NRC, and NEET, and allegedly branded 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.

Based on the complaint, the Chikkamagaluru Town Police have registered a case and initiated further legal action.

In a press release on July 25, 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 nationwide protests. 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 urged the Karnataka government to take stringent legal action without delay.