Karnataka cabinet minister Ramesh Jarkiholi resigned on moral grounds against the alleged sex tape. In his resignation, he claimed his innocence and said “There should be an investigation into this. Even though I am innocent, I am taking moral responsibility and resigning from my post in the cabinet.”
Social activist Dinesh Kallahali had filed a complaint against water resource minister Ramesh Jarkiholi in Cubbon Park police station Bengaluru. It is alleged that the minister promised a job in return for a sexual favour. In an interview, Dinesh said that the girl’s family was tortured & scared hence they approached him to file a complaint.
In the video released by various media houses, it can be seen that the minister is naked and gets intimated with the woman and can be seen telling her “remove (cloths) remove everything and show me everything.”
In addition to the video, there is an audio clip as well where we can hear the girl requesting a minister for some work at the water dam but the minister tries to get candid and talks about partying & consuming alcohol.
It was noted that the minister used his official guest house for his illegal and immoral activities. It is very clear that the video is recorded by the girl with her mobile and it is alleged that she wanted to get out of this forceful relationship. Though the girl has not come out or filed the complaint directly.
Replying to the controversy Minister Ramesh Jarkiholi said “I don’t know who is Dinesh Kallahalli. I have been MLA for the past 21 years, this is a very sensitive matter. We are very family-oriented people, Jarkiholi is a very big family. This has been shocking to me.
I haven’t seen the video and will not see it. I will not fear and there is no reason to fear and I am a very religious person I just came from the temple. I haven’t done anything in the past 21 years why would I do now. If I am wrong then hang me. I will take legal action and will speak with my lawyer.
Later on, in his statement, he said that it is a fake video and he does not know the woman
Balachandra Jarkiholi bothers of Minister Ramesh Jarkiholi’s met CM BS Yediyurappa and demanded a CBI inquiry into the matter. He also alleged that CD is fake & questions the complainant and said that the complaint was not filed by the victim and if some third-party files are complaint then it is very wrong. He also threatened to file a 100 crore defamation case against those who released the sex tape.
Karnataka Home minister BS Bommai said that an inquiry has been ordered concerning the incident and the law will take its course.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said that “I have seen the video of State minister Ramesh Jarkiholi in the media. I will speak to the Chief Minister and the party chief about it. We will check the authenticity of the CD and take action accordingly.” He further said that “We can’t come to any conclusion, we need to know the truth. If it’s true then it’s embarrassing. We leaders need to be morally right, this is the BJP policy for all netas whether its corruption or these matters”
The important question to ask is “Will the women get justice”. In the past, we have seen many ministers getting exposed to such scandals but never getting punished. They bounce back to their cabinet positions. It is still quite uncertain If the minister has used his position for any other such favours. Nobody has yet come out to claim and probably will not, as no one will take a risk to stand against the powerful politicians
Will Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa investigate without bias and provide an independent investigation?
