Karnataka excise minister resigns over sex tape scandal

Have done no wrong; resigned voluntarily: HY Meti on sex tape scandal

H Y Meti, minister for excise in the Karnataka government resigned after a sex tape involving him was made public. Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister S Siddaramaiah ordered a probe into the case. RTI activist Rajashekhar made the tape public on Wednesday. The 3.23 seconds video tape has come as a major embarrassment to the Congress government.

The 71-year-old Congress minister had rubbished allegations of him seeking sexual favours from a woman. He had accused the RTI activist of attempting to tarnish his image and threaten him. The tape that was made public came as a devastating blow to the Congress in Karnataka.

Sources from the police department said that the CM was in the know of Meti's actions and had asked him to quit if the tape became public.

The CM had also asked senior police officials to look into the matter and see if a tape did exist.

Excise Minister Shri HY Meti has resigned. I have recommended to Honble Governor to accept the resignation. I have also ordered a probe.

— CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) December 14, 2016

During the Belagavi assembly session that concluded recently Meti is said to have assured the CM that no such tape existed.

The woman in the tape had initially said that the minister hadn't asked for sexual favours but made a U-turn of sorts on Tuesday and accused the minister of exploiting her.

Have done no wrong; resigned voluntarily: HY Meti on sex tape scandal

Moments after he resigned from his position as Karnataka excise minister, H Y Meti said that he was not in the wrong but resigned to save government from embarrassment.

Speaking to the media after submitting his resignation to the chief minister, HY Meti said, "I have done no wrong. I voluntarily resigned since I don't want to put the government in an awkward situation. Let there be a probe."

Sources from the CMO said that his resignation was accepted immediately but not before he was given a dressing down by C M Siddaramaiah.

H Y Meti hurried to the CMO as soon as media channels broadcast sex tapes involving him. The minister was reportedly warned earlier of consequences if the tape was made public.

Senior Congress minister Ramesh Kumar, who was present at the meet, said, "Such instances are an embarrassment to those in public life. He has resigned. We will wait for the probe."

OneIndia News