Deve Gowda's grandson suspended from JD(S) over sex scandal row
Prajwal Revanna, MP and grandson of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, was on Tuesday suspended from his position in the Janata Dal (Secular) or JD(S). This action comes in response to allegations of sexual misconduct against him. The scandal surfaced following the release of explicit videos allegedly showing Prajwal involved in non-consensual sexual acts with multiple women. The party has issued a show cause notice to the MP who represents the Hassan constituency in Karnataka.
Row over Prajwal's 'obscene' videos
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. Karnataka government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe into the matter.
Police complaint lodged against Prajwal, father
Separately, after the release of these videos, a woman—said to be his cook—filed a police complaint against Prajwal. She accused him of sexually assaulting her multiple times between 2019 and 2022. The complainant also alleged that Prajwal behaved inappropriately with her daughter during a video call and engaged in "vulgar conversations" with her. She also accused Prajwal's father and Holenarasipur MLA, HD Revanna, of sexual assault when his wife was not present at home.
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.
Prajwal denies allegations
Meanwhile, in response to the allegations, Prajwal has categorically denied any wrongdoing. He has lodged a counter-complaint asserting that the circulating videos are manipulated. However, the 33-year-old MP departed for Germany on Saturday morning, shortly after the videos became public. Amid the controversy, 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.
