Karnataka government sets up SIT to investigate multiple criminal cases against BJP MP Munirathna – India TV

In a significant development, the Karnataka government on Saturday announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe several criminal cases against BJP MP Munirathna, including serious allegations of anti-caste insult and rape. The SIT will be headed by Deputy Director General of Police (CID) BK Singh and will comprise senior officers Labhu Ram, Soumyalatha SK and CA Simon.

The decision to form the SIT came soon after Munirathna was remanded in custody for 14 days in connection with an alleged rape case. The SIT's mandate includes not only investigating the three major cases pending against the Rajarajeshwarinagar MP, but also verifying other criminal complaints filed against him and his associates at various police stations in Karnataka.

Allegations and legal proceedings

Munirathna's legal troubles began a week ago when he was arrested after two complaints were filed against him for alleged harassment, threat and caste abuse. Although Munirathna was released on bail in these cases, he was arrested again on Saturday in connection with a rape case, leading to his remand.

The cases against the MP stem from an FIR filed at Vyalikaval police station on September 13, initiated by Cheluvaraju, a contractor of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). In his complaint, Cheluvaraju accused Munirathna of demanding a bribe of Rs 30 lakh to get a government contract. According to the contractor, Munirathna had initially demanded Rs 20 lakh in 2021 for a waste management contract, which was allegedly paid. However, despite the payment, the contractor claims Munirathna failed to procure the vehicles required for the contract.

The FIR also states that Munirathna repeatedly harassed and verbally abused Cheluvaraju, culminating in a physical attack in September 2023. The contractor further alleged that Munirathna slapped him and obstructed his work, which made him harbor suicidal thoughts. In support of his claims, Cheluvaraju released an audio recording of a conversation between him and the MP, which he says confirms the harassment.

A second FIR has been filed by a BBMP member accusing Munirathna of using caste-related slurs during an altercation and insulting his caste and family. The MP is accused of violating sections of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Rape allegations emerge

In addition, a third case was filed on September 19 by a 40-year-old woman who accused the MP and six others of rape. The woman claimed that the incident took place at a private resort under the jurisdiction of Kaggalipura police station.

Munirathna denies allegations

Meanwhile, Munirathna has vehemently denied all allegations against him, calling them “far from the truth” and accused his political opponents of hatching a conspiracy. “In the last 15 years, there have been no complaints or allegations of this kind against me. It was only after the recent Lok Sabha elections that these conspiracies were hatched against me,” Munirathna said in a statement.

(With inputs from PTI)