In Karnataka, a 40-year-old woman has accused Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Munirathna of rape, alleging that he honey-trapped women infected with HIV to target his political rivals.
The victim alleged that the MLA had used one of his political rivals, who was HIV positive, to lure another target.
On September 18, police registered a case against Munirathna for repeated rape, sexual harassment, and voyeurism following the woman’s complaint. In her allegations, she detailed that Munirathna sexually assaulted her in March 2020 and continued to rape her over the next two years. She also asserted that he threatened and coerced her into unlawful activities, including the honey-trapping of political rivals.
In her testimony, the victim recounted a conversation with the MLA in which he revealed honey-trapping tactics against one of his HIV-infected political rivals. Although he asked her to help lure another target using an HIV-positive person, she refused.
As the investigation into the rape charges continues, police are tasked with identifying the women allegedly exploited by the MLA to entrap his rivals. An officer quoted by the New Indian Express noted, “It is a very rare case where such allegations are made. We will have to consult experts on how to proceed with the investigation.”
Additionally, police plan to arrange for the HIV testing of the woman allegedly used by Munirathna to trap one of his rivals. If she tests positive, efforts will be made to identify other potential victims and subject them to HIV testing as well.
According to the FIR, Munirathna met the victim through her social work and began contacting her via WhatsApp in 2020. The FIR states that he demanded the victim strip during a video call, which she refused. Days later, he allegedly called her to his godown in Muthyalanagar, where he raped her. When she resisted, he threatened to slit her throat.
Munirathna was arrested on Friday, September 20, shortly after being released on bail for other charges, including extortion and violations of the SC/ST Atrocity Act.
In this new case, the MLA faces multiple accusations under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including 376 (repeated rape), 354 (sexual harassment), 354(C) (voyeurism), 506 (criminal intimidation), 504 (intentional insult to provoke a breach of the peace), 120(B) (criminal conspiracy), 149 (guilt of every member of an unlawful assembly for offenses committed in pursuit of a common object), 384 (extortion), 406 (criminal breach of trust), 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), and relevant sections of the IT Act.
Six additional individuals have been named in the FIR for helping Munirathna in his alleged criminal act. The individuals have been identified as Vijay Kumar, Sudhakar, Kiran Kumar, Lohith Gowda, Manjunatha, and Loki.
Following his arrest, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations against him.
Earlier, Muniratha was jailed in Bengaluru Central Prison on charges of issuing life threats and using casteist slurs against a contractor.
The Special Court had allowed Munirathna’s bail plea on Thursday in these fresh cases.
