BJP member detained in rape case

The Ashok Nagar police registered a case of rape and criminal intimidation against a BJP member following a complaint lodged by a 26-year-old employee of a private firm accusing him of raping her in his flat on the pretext of offering her financial assistance in October 2024. .

The victim said in her complaint that she was introduced to the accused — identified as Somashekhar — through a mutual friend. She said her marriage was arranged last year and she needed money for expenses. She sought help from Somasekhar, who assured her that he would give her 6 lakh rupees.

In October, Somashekhar took her to his flat from her paying accommodation, forced her to drink alcohol and then raped her, she claimed. She also claimed that he threatened her with dire consequences, and fearing this, she didn’t tell anyone right away. However, she later told her friends and relatives about her ordeal and then went to the police.

Somashekhar, according to the police, contested from Sakleshpura constituency in the 2018 BJP elections. The accused is currently in hiding.