Prajwal case: Woman forced to file false complaint, says NCW
What's the story
In a twist to the Karnataka sex scandal row linked to Janata Dal (Secular) MP Prajwal Revanna, a woman involved in the case has reportedly claimed that she was forced by a group of people posing as police officers to lodge a false complaint. The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Thursday said that the woman alleges she was threatened with harassment if she did not comply.
Probe
Kumaraswamy hits out SIT
After this report, former Chief Minister and Prajwal's uncle HD Kumaraswamy hit out at the Special Investigation Team handling the case. "The investigating officers are going to the doorsteps of the victims and threatening them. Tell us, isn't it a fact that the SIT officers are threatening the victims with false prostitution cases against them? Is this how the probe is being conducted," Kumaraswamy alleged.
Investigation progress
Former CM's statement on rescued woman
Kumaraswamy also asked about the whereabouts of a rescued woman, who was allegedly kidnapped by Prajwal's father HD Revanna to "tamper with evidence." "Where have you kept the rescued woman who was kidnapped? Why is she not being produced before the court? Do you support the act of distribution of private videos of the victims," Kumaraswamy asked Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, who earlier described the sex video scandal as the "biggest scandal in the world."
CBI probe request
Kumaraswamy seeks governor's intervention
Amid these developments, Kumaraswamy also led a JD(S) delegation to meet Karnataka Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot. He requested the governor's intervention for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the scandal. Kumaraswamy expressed his doubts about the SIT's ability to conduct a fair and impartial inquiry, alleging state government influence.
Government's response
Home minister defends SIT probe
Meanwhile, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara defended the SIT probe, saying that it is functioning efficiently. The state government doesn't need to reply to all the allegations being levelled by the JD(S), he said. "The SIT is conducting a probe and the state government has taken the matter seriously," he added.
Background
Prajwal's sex scandal row explained
Purported videos of Prajwal showing him sexually abusing women have triggered a row in Karnataka amid Lok Sabha elections. These videos 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, which is led by the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Information
Blue Corner notice against Prajwal
Prajwal is missing since April 27, when his cook file a sexual harassment complaint against him and his father Revanna—former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda's son. According to reports, Prajwal fled abroad on a diplomatic passport. The authorities have issued a "Blue Corner notice" against him.