Karnataka SIT Probes Alleged Sex Scandal Involving JD-S MP Prajwal Revanna; BJP Distances Itself

The Congress-led Karnataka government has formed a special investigation team (SIT) to probe a sex scandal allegedly involving sitting Hassan MP and JD-S candidate from the seat, Prajwal Revanna.

Revanna is the grandson of JD-S chief and former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda. His father H.D. Revanna is an MLA from Hassan's Holenarasipur constituency.

The polling for the Hassan parliamentary seat was held on April 26. The development is likely to stir a huge controversy in the state ahead of the second leg of the Lok Sabha polls on remaining 14 seats, slated for May 7.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Saturday that the purported obscene video clippings are in circulation in Hassan district. It is prima facie found that there are atrocities committed against women.

The SIT was formed in the backdrop of a letter written by the Karnataka Women's Commission chief to the state government, the Chief Minister said.

He further stated that police had informed him that Prajwal Revanna had gone to a foreign country.


It is alleged that Prajwal Revanna is involved in harassing and sexually abusing thousands of women and also he recorded the acts. The purported videos surfaced just before the polling and stirred a debate.

Prajwal Revanna had outrightly rejected his involvement and claimed that the development is a conspiracy against him.

The BJP and JD(S) have distanced themselves from the alleged sex scandal. Senior BJP leader and Leader of Opposition, R Ashoka stated in Bengaluru on Monday that “no one is above the law and all are equal before the law.”


“Former CM and JD(S) President HD Kumaraswamy has spoken about it. The government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT). Let the government take action,” Ashoka stated.
According to sources, Prajwal Revanna has gone to Germany after the formation of the SIT.

Reacting to the controversy, BJP state President, BY Vijayendra stated in Bagalkot, “Let the truth come out in the SIT probe.”

Former National General Secretary of the BJP, CT Ravi stated in Hubballi that the law was the same for all citizens.


“It can’t be said that this case will impact the results of the election but it can’t be ruled out that it won’t have an impact at all.

“We have not given Prajwal Revanna a ticket to contest the Lok Sabha elections, the JD(S) fielded him from Hassan Lok Sabha seat as the NDA candidate,” Ravi stated.

Former Chief Minister and JD(S) state President, HD Kumaraswamy stated that those “who had committed crime will get suitable punishment. Let the probe reveal the truth. There is no question of pardoning the guilty.”


Meanwhile, JD(S) MLA Sharana Gouda Kandakur wrote a letter to HD Deve Gowda on Monday demanded the suspension of his grandson from the party.

“The video in circulation has caused embarrassment as Prajwal Revanna is seen in these videos. Deve Gowda and Kumaraswamy respect women. The JD(S) symbol is a woman carrying a bundle of grain stalks on her head and reflects respect towards women. This has caused embarrassment to the party. Hence, he should be suspended from the party,” Kandakur demanded.

The release of the video has stirred a huge controversy in the state ahead of the second leg of the Lok Sabha polls on remaining 14 seats, slated for May 7. - IANS