BJP MLA held over casteist abuse, bribery charges in Karnataka

BENGALURU: Rajarajeshwari Nagar's BJP MLA Muniratna Naidu was arrested by city police on Saturday for his alleged involvement in multiple criminal cases, including hurling casteist abuse, demanding bribe and issuing threats.

Police said Naidu was detained near Nangali check-post in Kolar when he, along with his associates, was heading towards Andhra Pradesh. On Friday, based on separate complaints, Vyalikaval police had registered two FIRs against Naidu.

Besides, audio recordings of conversations that had allegedly taken place between the complainant and the MLA went viral on social media. In the audio clip, one man can be heard abusing another over his caste.

Claiming that his voice, as heard in the audio clip, was doctored, Naidu said: "Technology allows copying of voices of any person. Haven't you heard about the case in which four men were arrested for faking Union home minister Amit Shah's voice?"

The complaints reportedly involved incidents betwen 2019 and 2024.

B Nikhil, the superintendent of police, Kolar, told STOI that acting on a tip-off from Bengaluru police, Naidu's white Toyota Innova was intercepted, and the MLA was detained.

Later, once city police personnel arrived at the spot, he was handed over to them and the MLA was brought to Bengaluru.

Apologise or support MLA's abuses: CM
The first FIR was registered by BBMP contractor K Cheluvaraju, accusing Naidu of demanding a bribe of Rs 30 lakh, cheating him of Rs 20 lakh under the pretext of getting him 10 autorickshaws for garbage disposal, and issuing threats to his life.

The second FIR was registered by Velunayakar M, an ex-corporator from Lakshmidevinagar ward, accusing Naidu of threats and hurling casteist abuses at him.

Naidu further said: "Let the investigations prove that I had called Cheluvaraju from my mobile or received calls from him. I will fight the case legally."

Prior to his arrest, he had termed the cases filed against him as politically motivated and that former Bengaluru rural MP DK Suresh and others were behind it.

Weighing in on Muniratna Naidu's arrest, CM said the BJP MLA's mouth needs to be cleansed.

While BJP MLA CN Ashwath Narayan demanded that voice samples be tested, former Congress MLA Sowmya Reddy announced she will file complaint with state Women's Commission.

CM's X jibe

CM Siddaramaiah's X post read: "In the audio, Muniratna is heard abusing Dalit and Vokkaliga community, demanding a bribe. Though the 40% commission govt is gone, seeds remain. What will BJP leaders like BY Vijayendra and Ashoka say now? BJP has to apologise before Dalits and Vokkaligas or else support Muniratna's abuses."

BJP issues notice to MLA

Within an hour of Muniratna's arrest, BJP issued a notice, asking him to appear before the party's disciplinary committee and clarify.

Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Valentine's day wishes, messages and gift idea !