Murdered geologist prepared report names BJP MLA for illegal quarrying

Bengaluru: A document released by Congress leader Surya Narayan, hours after the murder of senior geologist of the Department of Mines and Geology, Prathima K S, revealed that BJP MLA Munirathna was named in the report prepared by Prathima against the illegal quarrying.

Prathima K S was found murdered at her residence in Bengaluru, and her former driver, who had been missing, was arrested by the police in connection with her murder.

Prathima's report highlighted unauthorized quarrying activities on 4.5 acres of land, resulting in the excavation of 51,460 metric tonnes of earth. The illegal operations led to the transport of 25,876 metric tonnes of building stone to other locations, causing a staggering loss of Rs 25.35 lakh to the government.

The report pinpointed specific survey numbers, including 177/3, 178/1-2-3, 179 at Hunasamaranahalli, and 34/1-2-3, 17/7-8-9 at Sonnappanahalli.

The case against Munirathna and others was registered at the Chikkajala police station under various sections, including 9B(1)(b) of the Explosives Act, Section 96 of the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, and Section 286 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The FIR was filed on July 11 after residents raised concerns about illegal blasting in quarry sites.

However, Munirathna denied any involvement in the illegal quarrying activities. He claimed that the Congress party was dragging him into the issue for political reasons. Munirathna emphasized that he would refrain from making any statements until the investigation concludes. He expressed confidence that he would be vindicated once the truth came to light.

The motive behind the shocking crime remains unclear, raising questions about potential links between Prathima's murder and the illegal quarrying allegations.