Karnataka: BJP MLA Munirathna and Six Others Charged in Alleged Sexual Harassment Case

A case of alleged sexual harassment has been filed against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA and former minister Munirathna, along with six others, in Ramnagar district, Karnataka. The complaint was registered at the Kaggalipura police station on Wednesday night.

The First Information Report (FIR) includes multiple charges under IPC Sections 354A, 354C, 376, 506, 504, 120(b), 149, 384, 406, and 308. The individuals named in the FIR alongside Munirathna are Vijay Kumar, Sudhakara, Kiran Kumar, Lohit Gowda, Manjunath, and Loki. According to the complaint, the incident occurred at a private resort within the jurisdiction of the Kaggalipura police station.

Currently, Munirathna is in Bengaluru police custody for allegedly threatening a contractor. A Special Court for People’s Representatives is set to hear his bail application today. If granted bail, he may still be detained near the jail due to his judicial custody status. Conversely, if bail is denied, the Kaggalipura police will seek a body warrant to take him into custody.

Munirathna was apprehended on the night of September 14 by Bengaluru police, with assistance from Kolar Police, while he was traveling to Andhra Pradesh. He was detained near Kolar.

In addition, two FIRs have been filed against Munirathna at the Vyalikaval police station following complaints from contractor Chelvaraju, who has accused him of harassment and threats. The first case involves allegations of a death threat, with four individuals named, including Munirathna, VG Kumar, Abhishek, and Vasanth Kumar. The FIRs cite charges under sections 37, 506, 505, 385, 420, and 323.

Chelvaraju has claimed that Munirathna threatened him, stating, “What happened to Renukaswamy will happen to you.” The contractor alleges that Munirathna demanded a commission related to a contract, initially asking for Rs 20 lakhs after rejecting an offer of Rs 1 lakh. He further accused Munirathna’s nephew of being involved in Renukaswamy’s murder.

Additionally, an audio clip has circulated online, purportedly featuring Munirathna using abusive language and threatening both a Dalit individual and his wife.