Bengaluru: A case of alleged fraud and sexual harassment in the name of securing a Karnataka Legislative Council (MLC) seat has come to light. A 54-year-old woman social worker has alleged that a man claiming political connections assured her that he could get her nominated to the Karnataka Legislative Council and collected more than ₹1 crore from her in return. She has also accused him of threatening her and sexually harassing her later.
Following directions from a magistrate court, police have registered an FIR under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The charges include cheating, criminal intimidation and offences related to crimes against women. Police have begun an investigation into the allegations, the alleged financial transactions and the role of those named in the complaint.
According to the complaint, the woman is associated with a women and child welfare organisation. Around one-and-a-half years ago, she came in contact with a man identified as Yerriswamy, aged 56. The woman alleged that Yerriswamy introduced himself as a media adviser to Congress leaders and claimed that his political contacts could help her secure a Karnataka Legislative Council nomination.
The complainant alleged that the accused referred to her social reputation and public work and claimed that he could approach leaders of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) to recommend her name for the MLC position. According to the complaint, Yerriswamy initially demanded ₹5 crore for arranging the political appointment. When she expressed inability to arrange such a large amount, the alleged deal was reduced to ₹1.25 crore.
The woman claimed that she borrowed money from acquaintances and arranged around ₹1 crore. She alleged that on August 10, 2024, she handed over the amount in Bengaluru to two men identified as Siddaraju and Basavaraju on Yerriswamy’s instructions. According to her complaint, the two men assured her that Yerriswamy would ensure her MLC nomination through his political contacts.
The woman further alleged that on January 10, 2025, she paid an additional ₹5 lakh to a woman near a hospital in Bengaluru’s Malleshwaram area. The payment was allegedly made at Yerriswamy’s direction. She claimed that despite making the payments, she did not receive the Legislative Council position and was later given excuses regarding the delay.
The complaint states that Yerriswamy later informed her that AICC leaders had called her for an interview in Delhi. The woman alleged that he took her to Delhi, where they stayed at a hotel in Karol Bagh. She claimed that during the stay, Yerriswamy entered her hotel room one night and behaved inappropriately.
The woman alleged that after she opened the door, the accused touched her improperly and sexually harassed her. According to her complaint, she then locked herself inside the room. She also alleged that when she demanded the return of her money, Yerriswamy threatened her with serious consequences, including death threats.
In her complaint, the woman alleged that Yerriswamy, along with Siddaraju and Basavaraju, cheated her by falsely promising to secure the MLC position and collected more than ₹1 crore from her in multiple instalments. Police are now investigating whether the accused actually had any political connections or whether such claims were allegedly made only to deceive her.
Investigators are examining alleged financial transactions, bank records, mobile phone data, communication records and other evidence related to the complaint. Police are also trying to determine whether other people may have been similarly targeted with promises of securing political positions.
The investigation is currently underway. Police officials said further legal action will be taken based on evidence and facts emerging during the probe. No official response from the accused side regarding the allegations has been reported so far.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
