The sexual assault scandal against Ramesh Jarkiholi took a twist after the complainant withdrew the complaint.
On the 7th of March, complainant Dinesh Kallahalli through his lawyer withdrew the sexual assault complaint against the Karnataka’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former State Minister Ramesh Jarkiholi. He submitted a letter written in Kannada and withdrew his complaint.
In his letter, Dinesh Kallahalli wrote, “I wanted police to inquire into my complaint against Jarkiholi for allegedly harassing a woman who approached him for an official favour and had intimate relation with her. Instead, the victim and her family have been humiliated by playing up the CD in news channels and social media platforms, which has tainted them. I am not interested in pursuing the case anymore (sic.) ” He further said, In his letter, “As I am hurt after former State Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy alleged that I took ransom for exposing Jarkiholi through a CD, whose release in the public domain has caused damage to the victim’s family (sic.)”
On the 2nd of March, Dinesh Kallahalli, a social activist, filed a complaint on behalf of the victim. He released a video, screenshots and a telephonic conversation, allegedly between the minister and the woman bringing the matter to light. Mr. Dinesh Kallahallifiled a complaint 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.
The withdrawal of the case came days after Mr. Ramesh Jarkiholi resigned as the State Water Resources Minister. On the 3rd of March, Mr. Ramesh Jarkiholi on the grounds of moral value, resigned as the Cabinet Minister of Karnataka.
Mr. Dinesh Kallahalli also said that he was seeking police protection and was getting threat calls for his action.
Responding to the letter, the police said, “We will study the contents of Kallahalli’s letter given through his lawyer for the next course of action as he does not want to pursue the case due to pressure.”
As of now, the police are investigating the matter and no FIR has been reported regarding the incident against the woman.
Meanwhile, the BJP Ministers condemned the allegations against Mr. Ramesh Jarkiholi, demanding a Central Bureau Investigation (CBI) inquiry.
Stay tuned for further updates
