Kalaburagi, June 2 (Reporter) BJP MLC N. Ravikumar on Monday said he would challenge the investigation initiated against him under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, calling it "100 per cent politically motivated" and an instance of vendetta politics by the Congress government in Karnataka. Ravikumar received a notice from the Station Bazaar Police Station, Kalaburagi, following remarks he made about the Deputy Commissioner of Kalaburagi. He said he was cooperating with the inquiry but questioned the rationale behind the atrocity case registered against him. Ravikumar sparked a controversy during a May 24 protest in Kalaburagi by questioning the nationality of Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Tarannum, saying he was unsure if she had come from Pakistan or was an IAS officer. The remarks drew widespread condemnation from political leaders and civil society. An FIR was filed against Ravikumar under various IPC sections, including communal incitement and criminal intimidation, as well as the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act for alleged derogatory remarks against Dalits and public officials. The IAS Officers' Association condemned the comments as deeply insulting and demanded an unconditional apology and legal action. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar also strongly disapproved, stressing the importance of respecting civil servants. Speaking to reporters here, Ravikumar said, "I have clearly stated what I said and about whom. I admit that what happened was not right. But why has an atrocity case been filed against me? I never even mentioned the word 'SC'. I don’t even know who the SC person in question is." Questioning the intent behind the case, he alleged that the government was misusing legal provisions to target BJP leaders. "This is vendetta politics, not just against me, but against all BJP leaders in the state," he said. Citing instances of alleged political targeting, the MLC said, "Eighteen of our MLAs were suspended, but the decision had to be withdrawn after our agitation and public pressure. Now, FIRs are being filed against Swamiji in Tumkur, who is leading a protest for drinking water. He is not contesting elections. Leaders from all parties and farmers are part of the movement, yet he is being booked." Ravikumar also criticised the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government, accusing it of suppressing dissent. "Why is there so much anger towards those who question the government? Can no one raise concerns about its policies? Is this a democratic government or a China-model government?" he asked. "We live in a federal system. This government is not functioning properly, and we oppose it," he declared...////...