Karnataka – A serious case of sexual harassment has been filed against BJP MLA and former minister Munirathna and six other individuals in the Ramnagar district of Karnataka. The complaint was lodged at the Kaggalipura police station on the night of September 18, 2024.
The First Information Report (FIR) includes charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC): 354A (sexual harassment), 354C (voyeurism), 376 (rape), 506 (criminal intimidation), 504 (intentional insult), 120(b) (criminal conspiracy), 149 (unlawful assembly), 384 (extortion), 406 (criminal breach of trust), and 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide). In addition to Munirathna, the accused are identified as Vijay Kumar, Sudhakara, Kiran Kumar, Lohit Gowda, Manjunath, and Loki.
According to the complaint, the alleged harassment occurred at a private resort within the jurisdiction of Kaggalipura police station.
CURRENT CUSTODY STATUS AND LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Munirathna is currently in Bengaluru police custody for allegedly threatening a contractor. The Special Court of People’s Representatives is scheduled to review his bail plea today. If granted bail, Munirathna is expected to remain under judicial custody near the jail. Should bail be denied, the Kaggalipura police will execute a body warrant for his detention.
Munirathna was taken into custody on the night of September 14 by Bengaluru police, with assistance from Kolar police, while he was en route to Andhra Pradesh. He was apprehended near Kolar.
Additionally, two FIRs have been registered at the Vyalikaval police station against Munirathna. These cases are based on complaints by contractor Chelvaraju, who accuses Munirathna of harassment and threats. The first FIR includes charges under sections 37 (penalty for obstructing the police officer), 506 (criminal intimidation), 505 (statements conducing to public mischief), 385 (extortion), 420 (cheating), and 323 (voluntarily causing hurt).
CONTRACTOR’S ALLEGATIONS AND DEMAND FOR BRIBE
Chelvaraju alleges that Munirathna threatened him by saying, “What happened to Renukaswamy will happen to you.” He claims that Munirathna demanded a commission for a contract. Although Chelvaraju initially offered ₹1 lakh, Munirathna insisted on the full amount of ₹20 lakhs and threatened severe consequences if the demand was not met. Chelvaraju also implicated Munirathna’s elder sister’s son in the murder of Renukaswamy.
An audio clip has surfaced, reportedly featuring Munirathna using abusive language and making threats against Chelvaraju, his wife, and a Dalit individual.