Karnataka: BJP minister caught in sex scandal

Karnataka Water Resources Minister Ramesh Jarkiholi landed in a controversy after a social activist approached the Bengaluru Police Commissioner Kamal Pant and demanded a detailed investigation into an alleged sex scandal involving the 60-year-old Bharatiya Janata Party leader.

The Bengaluru Police started an inquiry into the allegations but are yet to file an FIR on the matter. A non-cognizable report has been registered at the Cubbon Park Police station in Bengaluru.

In his complaint, a social activist alleged that Jarkiholi had sought sexual favours from a woman in lieu of a government job. The activist also submitted a CD which purportedly contains clips of the woman and the minister. In fact, videos of the two in a compromising position were aired on multiple Kannada news channels.

Meanwhile, Jarkiholi has resigned from his post. The BJP leader has said that the allegations were fake but he was quitting on moral grounds.

The Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Pralhad Joshi, on the other hand, said that the ruling BJP is certainly embarrassed over release of the sex CD involving Karnataka Water Resource Minister Ramesh Jarakiholi. The Union Minister has said that the BJP will take action after checking the authenticity of the alleged sex tape. Karnataka Home Minister Basavaraja Bommaih also said that the inquiry has been ordered and necessary action will be taken.

Meanwhile, the rival party Congress' workers took to the streets in Bengaluru to stage a protest against the accused minister over the said allegations and demanded his arrest.

Jarakiholi comes from one of the most powerful political families in the state and is a sugar baron from Belagavi district.