Toolkit Case: Karnataka Congress, college alumni oppose Disha Ravi's arrest

BENGALURU: The Karnataka Congress on Tuesday attacked BJP for arresting 22-year-old Bengaluru-based climate activist Disha Ravi allegedly for her involvement in a toolkit related to the ongoing farmers’ agitation.

Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president DK Shivakumar said Ravi’s arrest had shocked India’s youth and it was time for students and youngsters to fight for their rights and the freedom of expression.

“Both the state and the Centre are trying to scuttle voices of dissent. Disha Ravi’s arrest is a warning bell to the youth on how the regime is trying to suppress thoughts and opinions,” he said.


Meanwhile, alumni of Mount Carmel College where Ravi graduated in 2018 issued a statement in her support. They said her arrest was a way to browbeat young and articulate women — which Mount Carmel College has produced for generations — into submission.

“The blatant targeting of a young woman citizen expressing her support with the nation’s protesting farmers is horrifying and completely unacceptable,” the alumni said, while demanding that the police release Ravi and the Karnataka government protect her rights. The memorandum was signed by 330 alumni.