New Delhi: In the latest development, Karnataka MP Prajwal Revanna has been suspended from the Janata Dal (Secular) or JD(S) amidst a scandal involving explicit videos purportedly showing him engaging in sexual assault with multiple women.
Revanna, the incumbent MP from Karnataka’s Hassan constituency and the grandson of JDS chief and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, faces serious allegations following the emergence of numerous video clips on social media platforms, allegedly depicting his involvement in sexual misconduct.
WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR?
- The controversy erupted a day after his constituency went to polls, with the scandalous videos circulating widely within the Hassan constituency.
- In response to the allegations, Prajwal Revanna has been issued a show cause notice by the party, prompting a formal inquiry into the matter.
- The situation escalated further with a woman filing a police complaint against Prajwal Revanna, accusing him of sexual assault and detailing instances of alleged abuse dating back to 2019.
- The complainant further alleged that Prajwal’s father, HD Revanna, also participated in the misconduct, accusing him of sexual assault during periods when his wife was not present at home.
- Both Prajwal Revanna and his father, HD Revanna, have denied the allegations, with Prajwal claiming that the circulated videos are doctored.
- Meanwhile, Prajwal Revanna reportedly left for Germany soon after the scandal broke, raising questions about his availability for investigation.
- Meanwhile, HD Revanna, who is also implicated in the case, dismissed the allegations as a political ploy orchestrated by rivals.
- The Karnataka government has responded by forming a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the allegations thoroughly. This move follows recommendations from the state women’s commission to take swift action against the accused.
- Addressing concerns about Prajwal Revanna’s departure from the country amid ongoing investigations, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara stated that the SIT would summon him back to India for interrogation.
- The scandal has reverberated across political circles, with BJP Leader Devaraje Gowda alleging that he had previously raised concerns about the Deve Gowda family’s conduct, including Prajwal Revanna, to party leadership.
- Gowda claimed to possess substantial evidence, including a pen drive containing explicit videos, which he alleges were used for coercive purposes.
