Karnataka MLA Munirathna Faces Multiple Allegations: A Deep Dive

Karnataka government has set up a Special Investigation Team led by ADGP B K Singh to probe criminal cases against BJP MLA Munirathna, including casteist slur and rape allegations. Arrested a week ago, Munirathna faces legal battles, while BJP decries the charges as politically motivated.

The Karnataka government on Saturday constituted a Special Investigation Team headed by Additional Director General of Police (CID) B K Singh to investigate three criminal cases registered against BJP MLA Munirathna, including allegations of a casteist slur and rape.

The announcement followed a court order remanding Munirathna to 14 days' judicial custody earlier in the day over a rape case. The investigation team includes three IPS officers: Labhu Ram, Soumyalatha S K, and C A Simon.

The team has been tasked with probing not only these three cases but also all cases registered against Munirathna and his aides across multiple police stations in Karnataka. Munirathna was arrested last week in connection with FIRs alleging harassment, threats, and casteist abuse. He was re-arrested soon after being released on bail for another rape case and is now in judicial custody.

Cases against the Rajarajeshwarinagar MLA were initially filed on September 13 at Vyalikaval police station. The first FIR, based on a complaint by a BBMP contractor named Cheluvaraju, accuses Munirathna of demanding a bribe and issuing threats. Cheluvaraju claims Munirathna demanded Rs 30 lakh and engaged in repeated threats and harassment, which led him to contemplate suicide.

The second FIR involves a complaint from a BBMP corporator alleging casteist abuse. The third case relates to a complaint by a 40-year-old woman alleging rape at a private resort. Munirathna has denied all allegations, calling them politically motivated.

(With inputs from agencies.)