Bengaluru: SIT Conducts Raids in High-Profile Case Against BJP MLA N. Munirathna Naidu
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing serious allegations against Karnataka BJP MLA N. Munirathna Naidu, including charges of rape and honey-trapping, conducted extensive raids on Saturday. The operation targeted his residence in Vyalikaval, along with 15 other locations across Bengaluru, reflecting the gravity of the investigation.
Led by ACP Kavitha, the SIT operates under the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and is focused on gathering evidence related to the disturbing allegations against Munirathna. The team is currently examining documents, electronic devices, and other materials pertinent to the case. Experts from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) are assisting the SIT, with Superintendent of Police Sowmya Latha actively participating in the search at Munirathna’s residence.
Sources indicate that the raids were prompted by information provided by the alleged victim, who claimed that Munirathna recorded footage of sexual assaults and used it as leverage to blackmail various politicians and public officials, including IAS and IPS officers. The victim further alleged that she was manipulated into entrapment schemes, including a plot to discredit another woman who had filed a rape case against a senior Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer.
In her testimony, the complainant detailed how she was directed to capture compromising videos of the rape victim, using drugs to incapacitate her and record footage without consent. She claimed that, following unsuccessful attempts to obtain the videos, the IFS officer was later bailed out of the charges against him.
Additionally, the complainant accused Munirathna of sexually assaulting her in various locations, including his office within the state legislature, his official vehicle, and a godown. She alleged that he recorded these assaults and threatened her life, including threats against her son if she refused to comply with his demands.
The investigation has unveiled claims of a broader conspiracy involving the use of HIV-infected women to target political adversaries, aimed at ruining their reputations and careers. The victim has also provided names of other politicians purportedly involved in similar honey-trapping schemes.
Currently, Munirathna is in the custody of the SIT, having been transferred from Bengaluru Central Jail to the CID office on September 24. The BJP legislator has vehemently denied all allegations, asserting they are false.
Karnataka Congress leader D.K. Suresh has called for a thorough investigation into the allegations, asserting the seriousness of the claims made against Munirathna.
As the SIT continues its investigation, the unfolding details of this case are likely to attract significant public and political attention, raising questions about accountability and the integrity of public officials.
