'PM Modi asking votes for rapist Prajwal Revanna': Rahul Gandhi
Congress heavyweight Rahul Gandhi on Thursday hit out the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for supporting Janata Dal (Secular) leader Prajwal Revanna, who is currently embroiled in a sexual misconduct scandal. At an election rally in Karnataka, Gandhi said every BJP leader was aware Prajwal was a "mass rapist," yet they supported him and formed an alliance with JD(S). Gandhi also hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, "On stage, PM Modi supported 'mass rapist.'"
Why does this story matter?
Videos of Prajwal sexually assaulting multiple women were leaked on social media last week. These 2,976 videos are believed to have been filmed in either Hassan or Holenarasipura in the southern state. 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 BJP-led National Democratic Alliance.
Watch Gandhi's rally speech here
Gandhi accuses Revanna of abusing hundreds of women
In his speech, Gandhi also alleged that Prajwal had sexually abused 400 women and filmed the incidents. He suggested that PM Modi should apologize to women for supporting an alleged "mass rapist." He also accused PM Modi of helping Prajwal flee India. "Even when...Revanna raped hundreds of women, PM Modi did not stop him from going to Germany...[he] has all the machinery, yet he allowed the mass rapist to go to Germany. This is 'Modi's guarantee',' Gandhi added.
Lookout notice issued for Revanna amid allegations
Last week, the state government formed an SIT to probe the case, and on Tuesday, it asked Prajwal to appear before questioning within 24 hours. On Wednesday, Revanna, through his lawyer, sought seven days to appear before the SIT. Seemingly rejecting his request, the SIT issued a lookout circular on Thursday after he failed to appear before its officials following a notice of appearance served on Tuesday. The lookout circular was issued to all immigration points across India.
