Explained: Deve Gowda's grandson Prajwal, son Revanna's 'sex scandal'
Amid the Lok Sabha elections, former Prime Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Deve Gowda's grandson, Prajwal Revanna, and his son, HD Revanna are facing allegations of sexual harassment and stalking. The charges were filed at the Holenarasipur police station, Karnataka by their cook. The complainant alleges that she was sexually harassed by HD Revanna four months into her employment. She also accuses Prajwal of making inappropriate video calls to her daughter. Here's what we know about the case.
FIR filed for sexual harassment, stalking
Following the woman's complaint, a first information report (FIR) was registered under the Indian Penal Code for sexual harassment, stalking, punishment for criminal intimidation, and word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman. In the FIR, Revanna and Prajwal are listed as accused No. 1 and 2 respectively. Further investigation is underway, police said.
Row over Prajwal's 'obscene' videos
This case comes amid a separate row over purported videos of Prajwal which show him involved in non-consensual sexual acts with women. These videos, believed to have been filmed in either Hassan or Holenarasipura in the southern state, have been widely circulated on social media. They came to light on April 25, just one day prior to polling in the Hassan constituency—from where Prajwal is seeking re-election as a candidate for the National Democratic Alliance.
SIT to investigate the case
After the videos surfaced, Dr. Nagalakshmi Chowdhary, Chairperson of the Women's Commission had urged Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to launch a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the matter. Separately, Siddaramaiah posted on X on Saturday, "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."
Members of the SIT
The SIT will be led by Indian Police Services officer Vijay Kumar Singh and will include Director General of Crime Investigation Department, Suman D Pennekar, and IPS officer Seema Latkar as team members.
JD(S) in damage control mode, BJP distances itself from row
The JD(S) is now in damage control mode, while the Bharatiya Janata Party has distanced itself from the row. S Prakash, the chief spokesperson of BJP's state unit, said, "We, as a party, have nothing to do with the videos...neither do we have any comments...on the SIT probe." Prajwal's uncle HD Kumaraswamy said he and his father, Deve Gowda, have always been respectful towards women. "An SIT probe has been ordered...Let the findings come out...then I will comment," he said.
Prajwal currently in Germany
Reports suggest that Prajwal has left the country, with both NDTV and the Indian Express stating that he is currently in Germany. According to reports, however, Prajwal has denied these allegations, asserting that the videos circulating in the state have been "morphed" and are being spread to damage his reputation during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
