Rape case against Karnataka BJP MLA arrested for issuing death threats

The rape case came days after Munirathna, an MLA from the Rajarajeshwari Nagar Assembly seat, was sent to police custody following his arrest for allegedly threatening a contractor and using casteist slurs against him.

In Short

• Names of BJP MLA Munirathna, 6 others in new rape case
• Alleged rape took place at private resort
• MLA already in jail for death threat, harassment

A rape case has been registered against Karnataka BJP MLA Munirathna, who is already behind bars in connection to other cases for alleged harassment, death threats and casteist abuse. The alleged incident took place at a private resort near Bengaluru.

The rape case against the MLA and six others was filed on Wednesday night based on a complaint made by the rape survivor.

A police officer said "the case was registered under various sections for rape by public servant, sexual harassment, criminal intimidation, criminal conspiracy, voyeurism, intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace", reports news agency PTI.

He said a probe into the incident is currently underway.

The latest development came days after Munirathan, an MLA from the Rajarajeshwari Nagar Assembly seat, was sent to police custody following his arrest for allegedly threatening a contractor and using casteist slurs against him.

The two previous cases against the MLA were filed in Bengaluru on September 13. He was arrested from Kolar.

The first case involved issuing a death threat and four individuals, including Munirathna, were named in the FIR. The second case charged Munirathna with casteist abuse against the contractor.

The contractor had released an audio clip during a press conference, claiming that Munirathna harassed him for a bribe.