“Will meet same fate as Renukaswamy”: Bengaluru contractor alleges threat from BJP MLA Munirathna

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], September 14 (ANI): A Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) contractor, Chaluvaraju, has filed a police complaint on Friday evening against BJP MLA Munirathna, accusing him of issuing death threats and using abusive language. The contractor met Police Commissioner Dayanand to lodge the complaint.

Chaluvaraju alleged that Munirathna threatened him by saying, “What happened to Renukaswamy will happen to you.” He claimed that the MLA had demanded a commission in connection with a contract. According to the contractor, he offered Rs 1 lakh, but Munirathna refused and insisted on the full amount.

The contractor further stated, “MLA Munirathna has threatened me to pay Rs 20 lakhs. If I don’t pay, he said the same fate as Renukaswamy will happen to me.” He also accused Munirathna’s elder sister’s son of being involved in the murder of Renukaswamy.

An audio clip has also gone viral, allegedly featuring Munirathna using abusive language and threatening a Dalit person, the contractor, and his wife. Police are yet to issue a statement on the allegations. The BJP MLA also is yet to respond to the allegations.

Meanwhile, the Bengaluru Police on September 5 submitted a charge sheet against 17 accused in the Renukaswamy murder case, including Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa and his friend Pavithra Gowda. The charge sheet was handed over in a secure box to the 24th Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court, according to Bengaluru Police Commissioner B. Dayananda.

The charge sheet is 3,991 pages long, consisting of seven volumes and ten files. Commissioner Dayananda stated, “The charge sheet contains 231 witness statements, technical and electronic evidence, and a massive investigation.” He added that the police conducted a thorough investigation from all angles.

Seventeen people have been arrested in the case, and all are under judicial custody. Three eyewitnesses have been identified, while 27 witnesses have provided statements in court.

Actor Darshan was earlier transferred to Bellary Jail after a photo of him with a rowdy-sheeter in the Parappana Agrahara Central Jail went viral. In response, Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda said, “If this person is being given extra privileges, it is wrong. Officers who have facilitated such privileges should be held accountable.”

Seven prison officials were suspended following orders from Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.