Karnataka police have apprehended state BJP leader Manikanth Rathod in connection with the alleged theft of rice intended for the Anna Bhagya scheme, a welfare initiative under the former Congress government led by Siddaramaiah. The scheme aimed to provide 10 kg of food grains monthly to economically weaker section (EWS) families.

According to authorities, the theft occurred at a government warehouse in Shahapur, Yadgir district, in 2022, resulting in the disappearance of 6,077 quintals of rice valued at over Rs 2 crore.

Rathod, a BJP functionary from Kalaburagi district, gained attention during the 2023 state Assembly elections when he contested against Priyank Kharge, son of Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge. Despite the contentious electoral battle, Rathod was defeated by Priyank, who now serves as the Minister for Electronics, Information Technology, Rural Development, and Panchayat Raj in the current administration.

During the electoral campaign, Rathod faced allegations from the Congress of conspiring to harm Mallikarjun Kharge and his family. These accusations were accompanied by the release of an audio recording purportedly featuring Rathod discussing plans to harm Kharge’s relatives. Rathod vehemently denied these allegations, dismissing the audio clip as fabricated.

Apart from his political career, Rathod has a history marked by multiple criminal cases, including charges related to attempted murder, narcotics smuggling, illegal possession of firearms, and criminal intimidation. Of the 40 criminal cases against him, Rathod has been convicted in three instances, serving a one-year prison sentence. He currently faces legal proceedings in the remaining cases.

In his election affidavit submitted to the Election Commission, Rathod declared movable assets worth Rs 11.34 crore and immovable assets valued at Rs 17.83 crore. His holdings include agricultural lands, a rice mill, and properties in Hyderabad, Kalaburagi, and Thane (Maharashtra), offset by liabilities amounting to Rs 15.33 crore.

Rathod’s arrest in connection with the Anna Bhagya rice theft case has raised significant concerns about corruption and accountability within Karnataka’s political landscape, impacting both his personal reputation and the BJP’s standing in the state.