BJP official from Karnataka accused of sexual harassment

The alleged crime took place in a hotel in Bengaluru when the woman wanted to join the pro-Hindu movement founded by Puthila. She later followed the official on various social media sites, it was said.

According to the FIR registered on September 1 at the women's police station in Puttur in Dakshina Kannada district, Puthila abused her trust and invited her to a hostel in Bengaluru city, where he allegedly sexually abused her, blackmailed her and threatened to kill her.

The plaintiff alleged that he threatened her by claiming that he had photos, selfies, audio and video recordings that could damage her image in society.

Puthila had contested the 2023 general elections as an independent candidate. He later rejoined the BJP.

In his response to the allegations, Puthila stated that it was a false complaint and that he would investigate the matter and expose the scam. He said that his political opponents were staging the matter against him.