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

NEW DELHI: A contractor named Chaluvaraju filed a police complaint on Friday against BJP MLA Munirathna, alleging death threats and abusive language. Chaluvaraju met Police Commissioner Dayanand to register the complaint.
Chaluvaraju claimed that Munirathna threatened him, stating, “What happened to Renukaswamy will happen to you.” He said the MLA demanded a commission related to a contract.The contractor offered Rs 1 lakh, which Munirathna refused, insisting on the full amount.
Chaluvaraju also 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 alleged that Munirathna’s nephew was involved in Renukaswamy's murder.
An audio clip allegedly featuring Munirathna using abusive language and threatening a Dalit person, the contractor, and his wife has gone viral. The police have not yet made a statement on these allegations, and Munirathna has not responded.
Separately, on September 5, Bengaluru Police submitted a charge sheet against 17 people, including Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa and Pavithra Gowda, related to the Renukaswamy murder case. The charge sheet was given to the 24th Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's Court. Bangalore Police Commissioner B. Dayananda stated that it contains 231 witness statements and other evidence.
Seventeen people are under judicial custody in connection with the case, including Darshan, who was transferred to Bellary Jail after a photo of him with a rowdy-sheeter in Parappana Agrahara Central Jail went viral. Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda commented, “If this person is being given extra privileges, it is wrong. Officers who have facilitated such privileges should be held accountable.”
Following orders from Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, seven prison officials were suspended.