- By Vivek Raj
- Mon, 29 Apr 2024 12:37 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Prajwal Revanna Viral Obscene Videos Row: Amid escalating tensions surrounding Janata Dal (Secular) MP Prajwal Revanna's alleged involvement in an obscene video case, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge has pointed fingers at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging their role in facilitating Revanna's departure from the country.
Prajwal Revanna, the Member of Parliament from Hassan, was recently booked in a sexual harassment case following complaints by his former house help. Kharge, in conversation with ANI, directly blamed the BJP for aiding Revanna's alleged escape, questioning the circumstances under which he left the country.
Prajwal Revanna Obscene Video Row: Congress Blames BJP
"They (BJP) ensured that he fled the country. Today, if he's left the country as the rumours are being floated, then how did he leave the country? Who facilitated it? I'm directly blaming the BJP on this front," Kharge said.
Kharge criticised the BJP-JDS alliance for fielding Revanna again in the Lok Sabha election 2024 despite prior knowledge of his controversial background.
"Despite knowing the fact that the Hassan MP (Prajwal Revanna) was known for such antecedents, despite letters being received by them from BJP functionaries, from BJP office bearers, that there are thousands of victims who have been abused by the Hassan MP. Still, they went in and gave the ticket,” he added.
JDS MLA Wants Prajwal Revanna Expelled
Earlier today, Janata Dal (Secular) MLA Sharana Gowda Kandakur in a letter urged party president HD Deve Gowda to expel Revanna from the party to prevent further embarrassment. Kandakur highlighted the importance of preserving the party's reputation amid the ongoing controversy over obscene videos of Prajwal Revanna.
"Our party symbol is a woman who is carrying paddy on her head, you have built the party on social and secular ideology which people believe. BJP is a national party in alliance with us though we are a regional party which shows the importance of our party. In all this background the circulating videos caused huge embarrassment to the party,” MLA wrote in a letter.
“Already state govt has formed an SIT, and an internal committee in the party must be formed. That's why to keep the party away from embarrassment and to make sure it will not affect the second phase of the election, I request you to expel Prajwal Revanna from the party," he added.
Prajwal Revanna Viral Video Case: Protest In Bengaluru, SIT Starts Probe
Meanwhile, Congress' women's unit staged a protest in Bengaluru, demanding the arrest of Prajwal Revanna in connection with the case. An FIR has been filed against Revanna and his father, JD(S) leader HD Revanna, under various sections of the IPC pertaining to sexual harassment and intimidation. The case has been registered under sections 354A, 354D, 506, and 509 of the IPC on charges of sexual harassment, intimidation and outraging the dignity of a woman.
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The victim alleges sexual assault by both HD Revanna and Prajwal Revanna, stating inappropriate behavior and assaults occurred when Revanna's wife was absent. Prajwal Revanna is contesting for a fresh term from Hassan under the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), facing competition from Congress' Shreyas Patel.
To investigate the allegations, the Karnataka government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by IPS officer Vijay Kumar Singh. The SIT, including DG CID Suman D Pennekar and IPS officer Seema Latkar, has commenced its probe into the matter.