Siddaramaiah demands rape case against ex-minister, court-monitored probe


Team Udayavani, Mar 22, 2021, 7:12 PM IST

Bengaluru: Former chief minister Siddaramaiah on Monday demanded in the Karnataka assembly registration of a rape case against BJP MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi, who quit as minister recently after allegations that he sexually harassed a woman ‘job aspirant’, and a court-monitored probe.

The Leader of the Opposition claimed the woman in a video message had said she was ”utilized” and thus it would amount to rape.

”I demand a rape case under section 376 of the IPC be registered against Ramesh Jarkiholi otherwise we can’t do justice to the woman,” Siddaramaiah said.

Jarkiholi, BJP MLA from Gokak, resigned as minister on March 3, after a social activist lodged a police complaint alleging sexual harassment to a ‘job aspirant’ and video clips purportedly showing their intimate moments surfaced.

Rejecting the charges, the BJP leader has claimed innocence, saying the videos were fake and vowed to send the ‘conspirators’ behind bars.

Social activist Dinesh Kallahalli had withdrawn the police complaint against Jarkiholi.

Raising the issue in the House, Siddaramaiah said ”When the victim says she was utilized, it means there was no consent for the act. An act without consent is rape.” He said the police officers who failed to register a case should also face action.

Siddaramaiah charged Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai with writing a note to police based on a statement by Jarkiholi to form a SIT on March 9 without any term of condition though the former minister lodged a police complaint only on March 13 that he was blackmailed using a fake CD.

Intervening, veteran Congress member K R Ramesh Kumar said the complaint of such serious nature lodged by a former MLA on behalf of Jarkiholi should not have been accepted by the police.

Contending that the complaint lodged by Jarkiholi was untenable, Siddaramaiah demanded protection for the woman and a Karnataka High Court-monitored investigation by an independent agency and not the SIT.

He also sought the resignation of six Ministers who obtained a temporary court injunction against the publishing of any defamatory materials against them in the media, including news channels and the newspapers.

”The ministers are under fear which is against their oath of discharging their duties without any fear or favour at the time of assuming office,” Siddaramaiah said.

Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.

Top News

Stay Safe Online: Tips to avoid cyber fraud!

FIR against Sanjay Raut’s brother for remarks against Shiv Sena’s woman leader

Kodagu murder case accused escapes from police in Hyderabad

Karnataka Maritime Board announces plans for Mangaluru Water Metro Project

Royal Enfield forays into electric bike segment; unveils first model under Flying Flea brand

US going to historically tight presidential election

Balasore tragedy result of composite negligence of railway officials: Orissa High Court

Related Articles More

Kodagu murder case accused escapes from police in Hyderabad

New software for fast-tracking project approvals: Karnataka Minister Patil

Karnataka Maritime Board announces plans for Mangaluru Water Metro Project

Lone tusker spotted on NH-166 near Karkala, disrupts traffic

Lokayukta police summon Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah for questioning in MUDA case on Wednesday

MUST WATCH

Gho Pooja in Deepavali Festival

Melukote Deepavali

Ganapathi Co-operative Society Ltd

Udayavani Chinnara Banna 2024

Annapoorna Aahar | Food Places In Mysore


Latest Additions

Stay Safe Online: Tips to avoid cyber fraud!

FIR against Sanjay Raut’s brother for remarks against Shiv Sena’s woman leader

Kodagu murder case accused escapes from police in Hyderabad

New software for fast-tracking project approvals: Karnataka Minister Patil

Karnataka Maritime Board announces plans for Mangaluru Water Metro Project

Thanks for visiting Udayavani

You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.