BJP MLA Munirathna Detained Following Harassment and Abuse Allegations

BJP MLA Munirathna was arrested on Saturday in connection with two FIRs lodged against him for alleged harassment, threats, and casteist abuse, according to police. "We have taken him into custody. He was detained in Kolar and brought to Bengaluru, after which he has been formally arrested in connection with the cases filed against him," a senior police officer said.

Advocate Sadananda, representing the BJP MLA and former minister, stated that the allegations were baseless and lacked evidence. "We will also be approaching the high court," he told reporters. "We will file a counter complaint against the complainants and the truth will come out."

Allegations and FIR Details

The first FIR was filed by Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) contractor Cheluvaraju. The MLA is accused of demanding Rs 30 lakh as a bribe and threatening to terminate his contract if he did not pay the money. The contractor claimed that Munirathna initially demanded Rs 20 lakh in 2021 for a solid waste disposal contract. Despite making that payment, he was not sanctioned the vehicles by the civic body.

According to the FIR, Cheluvaraju was repeatedly harassed by the MLA, who allegedly verbally abused and physically assaulted him. The contractor further alleged that Munirathna did not allow him to execute his work and had even slapped him in September 2023. Three others, including government officials, were also named in the FIR for allegedly threatening, abusing, and harassing the contractor.

Second FIR and Casteist Abuse

The second FIR against Munirathna was filed on the complaint of a BBMP corporator who alleged that Munirathna had hurled casteist abuse and insulted his caste and family. Munirathna also allegedly asked Cheluvaraju not to associate with the corporator because of his caste. This FIR was registered under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Prevention of Atrocities Act and sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Munirathna's supporters gathered at Vyalikaval police station following his arrest. Official sources said he was taken to Bowring Hospital for a medical checkup before being brought to the police station. The state BJP issued a showcause notice to Munirathna citing violation of party discipline and asked him to clarify the allegations before a disciplinary committee within five days.

Political Reactions

BJP leaders, including Union Minister Prahlad Joshi and Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly R Ashoka, termed Munirathna's hurried arrest as vendetta politics and preplanned action. They maintained that action should be taken against Munirathna if he had committed any wrongdoing.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah criticised BJP leaders on X (formerly Twitter), alleging that they should clean their MLA's mouth before preaching about rituals and culture. He cited a purported viral audio where Munirathna allegedly insulted Dalit and Vokkaliga communities in an obscene manner, demanded money, and threatened to kill the contractor if the money was not paid.

Munirathna's Defence

In a video statement, Munirathna said the allegations were false. "For the last 15 years, there have been no allegations by a contractor or from the public that I have used derogatory language," he said. He claimed conspiracies against him began after he demanded a probe into irregularities at Devaraj Urs Truck Terminals Ltd.

"Anyone's voice can be created… The technology is advanced. Their intention is to send me to jail," Munirathna said. He alleged it was a joint operation by Kusma H of Congress, who lost against him in assembly polls, and DK Suresh of Congress, who lost against Dr Manjunath BJP candidate in Bangalore Rural Lok Sabha seat.

Munirathna further alleged that Cheluvaraju had filed atrocities cases against 20 people so far. He denied making any derogatory comments or speaking against Vokkaliga and Dalit communities or their members.

The ongoing developments have left BJP leaders with two options: support Munirathna's statement and admit anti-Dalit sentiment or publicly apologise to the Dalit community and expel him from the party.