Hassan: A new complaint was filed by the accused's former house helper on Sunday, and the Karnataka government ordered the formation of a special investigation team (SIT) to look into claims made against JD(S) MP and Hassan candidate Prajwal Revanna in an alleged sex scandal involving multiple women.
The Complaint
In the complaint, the victim claimed she was sexually assaulted by HD Revanna as well as Prajwal Revanna. She further stated that when the accused's wife was not there, Prajwal Revanna attacked her and made inappropriate advances, according to ANI.
Prajwal Revanna has also been accused by the house help of misbehaving with her daughter during a video call and of acting rudely toward her. “My daughter blocked his number after repeated calls,” the complainant said.
The FIR also included suspicions against the father of the accused, HD Revanna, a well-known JD(S) leader. Sections 354A, 354D, 506, and 509 of the IPC have been invoked in the case, which alleges sexual harassment, intimidation, and outraging a woman's dignity. Concerned by the distribution of pornographic footage, the complainant made the decision to register a complaint.
Ran To Germany
Days before the April 26 constituency polls, HD Revanna, the son of former prime minister and JD(S) supremo HD Deve Gowda, found himself embroiled in controversy after dubious videos allegedly featuring him went viral on social media. Prajwal is said to have departed the nation and is presently in Germany.
Prajwal Revanna is looking for a fresh term in the Lower House from Hassan as a candidate of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), contesting against Congress’ Shreyas Patel.
Formation Of SIT
The SIT, led by IPS officer Vijay Kumar Singh and comprising DG CID Suman D Pennekar and IPS officer Seema Latkar, has initiated an investigation into the case.
Earlier on Saturday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced his decision to establish an SIT to investigate the issue through a post on X which translates to, “The government has decided to form a special investigation team in connection with Prajwal Revanna’s obscene video case. Obscene video clips are circulating in Hassan district, where it appears that women have been sexually assaulted. In this background, the Chairperson of the Women’s Commission had written a letter to the government to conduct an SIT investigation. This decision has been taken in response to their request.
After offensive videos purportedly featuring the JD(S) lawmaker started making the rounds on social media on April 25, the Chairperson of the Women's Commission asked Siddaramaiah to launch a SIT investigation.
GT Devegowda Stated
Concurrently, JD(S) has praised the SIT investigation. Senior leader and chairman of the JD(S) core committee GT Devegowda announced that the party will call a meeting to discuss taking additional action on the matter. “I don’t blame the government for announcing the SIT investigation. We will sit and decide what action needs to be taken over the issue of Prajwal Revanna. For now, I will just say that I welcome the SIT investigation,” Devegowda said.
HD Kumaraswamy Draws Distance With Family
HD Kumaraswamy, the brother of Revanna and former chief minister, has opted to distance the party from the issue. "Deve Gowda and I have never disrespected any woman. The state government has ordered a SIT investigation, so let the report come out. We will not shield anyone. Let the truth come out,” HD Kumaraswamy said.
Prominent People's Reaction
Many leaders and personalities have taken their views on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
