BJP MLA Munirathna, 6 associates face allegations under SC/ST Act

Bengaluru: In a new controversy, BJP MLA Munirathna and six associates face allegations under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act after houses in the Akkamahadevi slum near the Peenya Government Degree College in northern Bengaluru were demolished on Monday.

The complainant, Geetha, alleged that the Rajarajeshwari Nagar (RR Nagar) MLA arrived at the slum around 11 am along with associates Vasanth Kumar, Channakeshav, Naveen, Sreeram, Peenya Kitty and Peenya Ganga, and supervised the demolition without prior notice.

Geetha stated that the group brought an earthmover and razed several homes, causing residents to lose cash ranging from Rs 20,000 to Rs 70,000 and approximately 30 grams of gold ornaments.

The slum, located on government land, was home to about 60 families, RMC Yard police sources said.

Geetha also alleged that Munirathna hurled casteist abuses at the residents and told them to relocate to Uttara Kannada. “Some women were manhandled and assaulted,” she claimed.

A case has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda confirmed that the complaint was filed after the incident allegedly occurred during a BBMP encroachment removal drive.

No arrests yet: Cop

“The suspects have not been arrested yet, and it remains unclear why the MLA was present at the site with the others,” a senior police officer stated.

This marks the fifth case filed against Munirathna.

Previously, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) chargesheeted him in two cases, including one involving casteist abuse and rape. The MLA is currently out on bail.