BJP MLA Munirathna arrested for threatening and harassing contractor
BJP MLA Munirathna from Karnataka was taken into custody in Kolar on Saturday for allegedly issuing a death threat to a contractor and using casteist insults against him.
Munirathna, an MLA from Rajarajeshwari Nagar in Bengaluru, faced two FIRs after Chelvaraju accused him of harassment and threats, as per complaints filed by the latter. They were organized into appropriate categories in the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS).
In the first case, a death threat was made and four people, including Munirathna, were identified in the FIR. The individuals facing charges were Munirathna, along with his associate VG Kumar, his security officer Abhishek, and one Vasanth Kumar. The contractor accused Munirathna of committing casteist abuse in the second case.
During a press conference, Chelvaraju played an audio clip alleging that Munirathna had demanded a bribe from him.
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Karnataka BJP unit issues show cause notice to Munirathna
According to news agency ANI, the Karnataka BJP unit sent a show cause notice to Munirathna demanding clarification on the accusations within five days.
Meanwhile, the Dalit Sangharsha Samiti (DSS) has raised concerns about the contractor being targeted with caste-based insults and is organizing a demonstration outside Munirathna’s residence in Bengaluru.
As a precautionary measure, police have increased security around Munirathna’s home by installing barricades and closing some roads.
Former Congress MP DK Suresh called for the expulsion of Munirathna from BJP, accusing him of using disrespectful language and insulting the Dalits.
