BJP MLA Munirathna, representing Rajarajeshwari Nagar, was remanded to police custody by a Bengaluru court until October 5 following his arrest on charges of rape and sexual harassment. His arrest on September 14, 2024, also involves allegations of using HIV-positive women to honey trap rivals, drawing widespread media attention.
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BENGALURU: BJP MLA Munirathna, representing the Rajarajeshwari Nagar constituency in Bengaluru, has been remanded to police custody by a special court in Bengaluru until October 5. This decision comes in light of his recent arrest on serious allegations, including charges of rape and sexual harassment. The arrest and subsequent legal actions have drawn significant attention, with the court passing this critical order on September 24, 2024.
Munirathna’s arrest on September 14 marked a significant turn in the case. Initially, he was placed under judicial custody after the Bengaluru city police apprehended him on charges related to rape, harassment, and allegations of utilizing “HIV-positive women to honey trap rivals.” These shocking accusations have added layers of complexity to the case, raising concerns and triggering widespread media coverage.
The Karnataka government promptly addressed the seriousness of the accusations by forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the claims against BJP MLA Munirathna. The SIT, led by senior IPS officer BK Singh, is tasked with conducting a comprehensive investigation into the allegations.
The SIT officially took over the files related to the case on September 23, a day before Munirathna was produced before the special court. The investigative team then sought police custody of the MLA to delve deeper into the accusations and gather further evidence in relation to the charges.
Serious Allegations Against the BJP MLA
The charges against Munirathna are both extensive and severe. He has been booked under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), each representing serious crimes.
These include:
- Section 376, which pertains to rape,
- Section 354, which involves assault with the intent to outrage the modesty of a woman,
- Section 354(C), dealing with voyeurism,
- Section 506, which refers to criminal intimidation,
- Section 504, for intentional insult with an intent to provoke a breach of peace,
- Section 384, concerning extortion,
- Section 308, addressing attempt to commit culpable homicide.
Additionally, he faces charges under provisions of the Information Technology (IT) Act. These collective allegations paint a grim picture, necessitating a thorough investigation by the SIT, which is expected to shed light on the truth behind the accusations.
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This is not the first time that Munirathna has found himself entangled in legal controversies. Prior to his current legal battle, the BJP MLA had secured bail in two other criminal cases lodged against him. These earlier cases were based on allegations that he had made derogatory remarks against the Vokkaliga and Dalit communities, causing widespread outrage and protests from various community leaders and activists.
The charges stemming from his previous cases and the current accusations have significantly tarnished Munirathna’s political career and standing within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). As the investigation progresses, political observers are keenly watching how this high-profile case unfolds and its potential implications for Munirathna’s future in politics.
The public response to the accusations against Munirathna has been one of shock and outrage. Allegations involving rape, harassment, and the exploitation of HIV-positive women have drawn widespread condemnation from political opponents, civil society, and women’s rights groups alike. Calls for a fair and speedy investigation have echoed across the state, with many urging the authorities to leave no stone unturned in ensuring justice is served.
The SIT, under the leadership of IPS officer BK Singh, is now tasked with the responsibility of conducting an impartial and detailed investigation. The team’s efforts over the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the charges against Munirathna hold weight or if he has been falsely implicated in what could be a politically motivated scandal.
