Congress Leader Urges BJP MLA's Dismissal After Controversial Audio Leak

Congress's DK Suresh calls for BJP MLA Munirathna's removal and an apology from BJP, after an audio clip surfaces of Munirathna allegedly abusing and threatening a Dalit contractor. Two FIRs have been filed against Munirathna, accusing him of harassment and issuing death threats.

Congress leader DK Suresh has demanded the dismissal of BJP MLA Munirathna and an apology from the BJP following the emergence of an audio clip allegedly featuring Munirathna using abusive language and threatening a Dalit contractor and his wife. Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, the former Congress MP said, 'Rajarajeshwari MLA (Munirathna) has used such a low-level language. He has insulted the Dalit community. BJP national leaders should answer this. He had earlier also looked down on the Vokkaliga community. BJP hasn't reacted to the incident yet. He must have been dismissed by the BJP by now.'

DK Suresh also accused Muniratna of disrespecting the Dalit community and called for immediate action against him. 'In an audio, he can be heard asking about the money, and he has also threatened the contractor. I demand that the BJP and the NDA should dismiss this leader (Munirathna) immediately. He has insulted the Dalit community and a mother. Suo-moto case must be registered against him, and action must be taken immediately. BJP must also issue an apology,' Suresh stated.

Meanwhile, two FIRs have been registered at the Vyalikaval police station against BJP MLA and former minister Munirathna. The cases arise from complaints filed by contractor Chelvaraju, who has accused Munirathna of harassment and threats. The first case involves issuing a death threat, with four individuals named in the FIR including Munirathna, VG Kumar, Abhishek, and Vasanth Kumar. The FIRs include charges under sections 37, 506, 505, 385, 420, and 323.

On Friday, a Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) contractor, Chaluvaraju, lodged a police complaint against Munirathna, accusing him of issuing death threats and using abusive language. The contractor met Police Commissioner Dayanand to file the complaint. Chaluvaraju alleged that Munirathna threatened him by saying, 'What happened to Renukaswamy will happen to you.' He claimed that the MLA had demanded a commission in connection with a contract. According to the contractor, he offered Rs 1 lakh, but Munirathna refused and insisted on the full amount.

The contractor further stated, 'MLA Munirathna has threatened me to pay Rs 20 lakhs. If I don't pay, he said the same fate as Renukaswamy will happen to me.' He also accused Munirathna's elder sister's son of being involved in the murder of Renukaswamy.

(With inputs from agencies.)