Modi likely to address only one public rally in Karnataka

Bangalore, Apr 25: Contrary to claims by state BJP leaders that Narendra Modi would conduct an extensive campaign tour ahead of the May 5 Assembly elections in Karnataka, it appears that as of now the Gujarat Chief Minister would address only one public meeting.

State unit BJP President Prahlad Joshi said Modi would address a public rally in the city on Sunday.

Asked by reporters why the party is not fully utilising the services of Modi for campaigning, Joshi said he would discuss with him regarding "the remaining dates" (of his campaigning in Karnataka).

But a party source said barring the rally slated to be held on the sprawling National College grounds here on Sunday, Modi is unlikely to spend more time in Karnataka for campaigning.

BJP President Rajnath Singh, party stalwart L K Advani and Leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj have already campaigned in the state, while Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley played a key role in finalising the party's poll strategy and manifesto-drafting.

But the question in some quarters is about Modi's campaigning -- will it be "minimum" or "full-fledged" is something that's keenly looked forward to.

At a campaign-kick-off rally here earlier this month, state BJP leaders, including Joshi, Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar and senior party functionary H N Ananth Kumar, insisted Modi has expressed willingness to tour extensively and be at the party's disposal as far as election canvassing is concerned.

There has also been a strong demand from sections of BJP candidates to get the Gujarat strongman to campaign in their segments.

According to some party officials, Modi might be reluctant to conduct a full-fledged campaigning in Karnataka, where BJP is seen to be in not-so-strong-wicket, saddled as it is with anti-incumbency factor and a five-year-rule marked by scams, scandals and intra-party fights.

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SIT raids rape accused BJP MLA Munirathna’s residence, 15 other locations

News Network

September 28,2024

Bengaluru, Sep 28: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing charges against arrested Karnataka BJP MLA N. Munirathna Naidu, including allegations of rape, honey-trapping, and other offences, on Saturday conducted raids at his residence and 15 other locations across the city.

Sources confirmed that the raids were taking place at his Vyalikaval residence and other properties owned by the BJP MLA. The operation is being conducted by the SIT under the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) led by ACP Kavitha.

The team is examining documents, electronic devices, and other materials related to the rape and honey-trapping case. The SIT is being supported by experts from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), with Superintendent of Police (SP) Sowmya Latha also participating in the search and inspection at Munirathna’s Vyalikaval residence.

According to sources, the raids were triggered by information provided by the victim, who alleged that Munirathna recorded footage of sexual assaults and used it to blackmail politicians and public servants, including IAS and IPS officers.

The victim reportedly revealed that she was used to entrap the woman who had lodged a rape case against a senior IFS officer. She was allegedly instructed to frame the rape victim in a drug peddling case.

The complainant told police that she was tasked with capturing compromising videos of the rape victim who had filed the case against the IFS officer. She claimed that, after several failed attempts to obtain the videos, the victim was drugged with sleeping pills, and obscene footage was recorded without her consent. Later, the IFS officer was bailed out from the charges.

Furthermore, the complainant has accused MLA Munirathna of raping her at his office within the state legislature, in his official vehicle, and at his godown. She has alleged that he recorded videos of these assaults.

Police sources also revealed that the victim in the MLA's case provided details of a plot involving sending HIV-infected women to Munirathna's targets in an attempt to ruin them politically and personally. She also disclosed the names of several politicians whom she had entrapped through honey-trapping.

The woman further claimed that Munirathna had threatened to have her son kidnapped and killed if she refused to comply with his demands. According to her, the MLA had a well-organised team dedicated to carrying out these honey-trapping operations, and she provided details about his close associates and relatives involved in the scheme.

Munirathna, who was in judicial custody following his arrest in the rape and honey-trap case, has now been taken into the custody of the SIT.

The MLA was transferred from Bengaluru Central Jail to the CID office on the night of September 24. The BJP legislator, however, has denied all the allegations, claiming they are false.

Karnataka Congress leader D.K. Suresh had alleged that Munirathna was trying to infect his adversaries with HIV and that the government should investigate the matter.

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