On the 3rd of March, Ramesh Jarkiholi, a Cabinet minister in Karnataka, resigned on moral grounds pending an investigation into the alleged sex tape scandal.
Minister Ramesh Jarkiholi has been accused of sexually exploiting a woman who sought the minister’s help for a short film. Dinesh Kalahalli, a social activist, who released a video, screenshots and a telephonic conversation, allegedly between the minister and the woman brought the matter to light.
Recently, Mr. Ramesh’s name cropped up in a sex tape scandal, following which he submitted his resignation letter. The later was later accepted by Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa and forwarded to the Governor for approval.
The Cabinet Minister said, “There should be an investigation into this. Even though I am innocent, am taking moral responsibility and resigning from my post in the cabinet.”
Mr. Dinesh filed a complained against the State Minister in the Cubbon Park police station. He also made it clear that he was not related to the victim, but was approached by her family as there was an environment of fear.
While Mr. Jarkiholi denied the allegations, the Bharatiya Janata Party leaders also expressed faith in him. Thr Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka Ashwathnarayan said the truth will come out only after the investigation. He said, “We have seen treachery, vendetta, honey trap, blackmailing as the motive behind such videos. I don’t know the truth, time will decide everything.”
Karnataka Home Minister B. Bommai said that an inquiry is being conducted as per law adding that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would make a decision on taking action against Ramesh Jarkiholi.
The Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said he had seen the video. “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.”
Ramesh Jarkiholi’s brother BJP Member of Parliament (MP) Balachandra Jarkiholi has sought a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the allegations against his brother and also threatened to file Rs. 100 crore defamation case against those who released the sex tape, which he called fake.
