Speaker KB Koliwad Asks Police Not to Arrest Senior Journalist Ravi Belagere

Bengaluru: Karnataka legislative assembly speaker KB Koliwad in an order has asked the police not to arrest senior journalist, publisher of Kannada weekly tabloid, Ravi Belagere. The speaker withdrew his previous arrest order and one year imprisonment temporarily and directed the police not to arrest the editor for publishing derogatory content against a member of state legislature.  

Earlier, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah requested the speaker to withdrew his order as the journalist has been suffering from serious health issues and is being treated in a hospital. Following the request from the chief minister, the speaker took a U turn on the issue. Siddaramaiah has also asked the speaker to hold a review on Ravi Belagere’s issues in the next state assembly session.