SIT to probe gang rape case involving Karnataka BJP MLA Munirathna

A special investigation team (SIT) has taken up the case against Karnataka BJP MLA Munirathna who has been accused by a 40-year-old woman of masterminding her gang rape, urinating on her and injecting her with a deadly virus.

Police had booked Munirathna and his alleged accomplices, Vasantha, Channakeshawa and Kamal, on Tuesday. The SIT was formed last year after Munirathna was accused of rape, blackmail, harassment, bribery and using casteist language, among other charges. Police said the SIT had already been probing these cases and the latest case was handed over to it.

According to the FIR, the incident occurred on June 11, 2023, at the MLA’s office. On Monday, the woman, a BJP worker, allegedly tried to die by suicide but survived and decided to report the matter to the police.

The police on Tuesday booked the accused under sections including 376D (gang rape), 270 (act likely to spread infection), 354 (assault on a woman), 506 (criminal intimidation) of the IPC.