Ballari BJP MP’s son files counter complaint against woman and a man for extortion

Bengaluru/Mysuru: A 24-year-old woman, identifying herself as a realtor, has filed a complaint against Y.D. Ranganath, the son of Ballari BJP MP Y. Devendrappa and a lecturer at Maharaja’s College, Mysuru. The woman has alleged that Ranganath took advantage of her physically under the pretext of marriage.

The FIR, registered by Basavanagudi Women’s Police Station in Bengaluru, charges Ranganath under Sections 420, 417 (cheating), and 506 (criminal intimidation). Both the accused and the victim have been issued notices by Basavanagudi Women’s Police Station, instructing them to present documents and evidence. In response, Ranganath filed a counter-complaint against the woman at Vijayanagar Police Station in Mysuru, accusing her of blackmail with private photos & videos for Rs. 15 lakh. An audio recording of their conversation has gone viral.

The woman’s complaint states that Ranganath, 42, befriended her through mutual friends over a year, promising marriage. In January of this year, he took her to Mysuru, claiming to take her home, but later they stayed in a hotel where he allegedly engaged in a physical relationship with her. Subsequently, Ranganath started ignoring her despite promising marriage and gaining her parents’ trust.

In spite of informing Ranganath’s father, MP Devendrappa, about the situation, no action was taken, she alleged.

In his complaint, Ranganath alleged that a man named Srinivas from Bengaluru was attempting to extort money from him, leading to a case being filed at Vijayanagar Police Station, Mysuru, under the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, along with extortion under the IPC.

Ranganath claimed that the woman demanded Rs. 15 lakh, abusing him with casteist remarks during a recent meeting at a hotel in Mysuru.

Meanwhile, Devendrappa, speaking to reporters at Arasikere in Harapanahalli taluk yesterday, labelled the developments as a political conspiracy against him, stating that opponents are behind the allegations with Lok Sabha elections approaching.

He claimed that his son is innocent, stating he had paid the woman some money because she invoked his name. Devendrappa maintained that he was unaware of the details of the situation and expressed confidence in legal process for justice.