Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate multiple criminal cases against BJP MLA Munirathna. The SIT, led by Additional Director General of Police (CID) B K Singh, will handle three major cases, including allegations of a casteist slur and a rape case. The team also includes three IPS officers: Labhu Ram, Soumyalatha S K, and C A Simon.
The move comes after Munirathna was remanded to 14 days’ judicial custody earlier in the day, following his arrest in connection with an alleged rape case. The SIT has been tasked with investigating not only these three cases but also other complaints registered against the Rajarajeshwarinagar MLA and his associates across various police stations in Karnataka.
As per a Vartha Bharati report, Munirathna’s troubles began when he was arrested a week ago in connection with two First Information Reports (FIRs) filed against him for harassment, threats, and casteist abuse. After being released on bail, he was arrested again in the rape case and sent to judicial custody on Saturday.
The first FIR was filed by Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) contractor Cheluvaraju, who accused the MLA of demanding a Rs 30 lakh bribe and threatening to terminate his contract if the money was not paid. Cheluvaraju had earlier paid Rs 20 lakh for a solid waste management contract but alleged that despite the payment, the promised vehicles were not provided.
Cheluvaraju’s complaint also detailed instances of verbal abuse, physical assault, and repeated harassment by Munirathna, leading the contractor to contemplate suicide. A purported audio recording of a phone conversation between the contractor and the MLA has been released as evidence.
A second FIR was filed by a BBMP corporator, who accused Munirathna of using casteist slurs and insulting both his caste and family. The third and most recent case was filed by a 40-year-old woman, alleging that the MLA raped her at a private resort under the jurisdiction of the Kaggalipura police station.
Munirathna has denied the allegations, calling them part of a “political vendetta.” He stated, “For the last 15 years, there have been no complaints against me from contractors or the public. After the recent Lok Sabha polls, conspiracies are being hatched against me.”
Despite the MLA’s denial, the SIT will now thoroughly investigate all the charges, including the new rape case, as part of its mandate.
