'Resignation On Moral Grounds': Minister Ramesh Jarkiholi Quits Amid Sex Tape Allegations

Ramesh Jarkiholi: Water Resources Minister of Karnataka Ramesh Jarkiholi submitted his resignation on Wednesday to Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa after he was accused of sexual harassment.

This comes after an explicit videotape got aired on local news channels where Jarkiholi was seen sexually engaging with an unidentified woman. The conversation between the Jarkholi and the woman created controversy in the state. Dinesh Kalahalli, a social activist, later came forward and filed a complaint against the minister claiming that he was authorised by the woman's family. He alleged that Jarkiholi of enticing the woman in the videotape with a government job offer.

The minister has so far denied the allegations by calling them "far from the truth". While handing out his resignation, he said, "The allegations against me are far from the truth, an investigation is needed to prove the truth. Though I have faith of being proven innocent, I am submitting my resignation on moral grounds. Please accept my resignation". His brother, BJP MLA Balachandra Jarkiholi also asked for a CBI probe into the matter.

The timing of the scandal is being said to be harmful to the ruling party ahead of the assembly elections to be held in five states shortly. Earlier even after being pressured to resign by BJP, Jarkiholi was adamant about not quitting. He had called the sex tape a "controversy" and, "It is a fake video. Will resign and quit politics if allegations are proven. Don't know this person or who she is, " he claimed.

No formal complaint has been registered by the Police yet as they are verifying Dinesh Kalahalli's complaint, M N Anucheth, deputy commissioner of police said.