The leaked sex tapes suggest that Prajwal Revanna may have sexually abused over 400 women.The National Commission for Women (NCW) has claimed that a woman had approached them, alleging pressure from individuals posing as police officers to file a false complaint in the Prajwal Revanna sexual abuse case. The NCW’s concern pertains to a different woman, not among the three existing complainants in the case. Prajwal Revanna, the grandson of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda and Hassan MP, faces accusations of sexual assault from three women while the leaked sex tapes suggest that he may have sexually abused over 400 women.
The NCW said in a statement, “One woman complainant came to the Commission to register a complaint against three individuals dressed in civil uniform, allegedly introducing themselves as Karnataka Police officials and forcing her to give a false complaint in this case.
“The woman claimed that she received calls from random numbers threatening her to lodge a complaint. It has come to light that this complainant was forced by a group of individuals to file a complaint under the threat of potential harassment and false implications.”
The chief of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) leading the inquiry into this case said that they were unaware about this woman. The SIT only became aware of her existence when the NCW forwarded her complaint to them two days ago. They clarified that neither the SIT nor anyone associated with it had made contact with her previously, nor had she lodged any complaint with them. The SIT has initiated an investigation to ascertain the identity of the individuals who contacted the woman. Necessary legal action will be taken against such persons, he said.
Meanwhile, the NCW has urged Karnataka Director General of Police (DGP) Alok Mohan to ensure the woman’s safety and security.
Following the NCW’s allegation, former Chief Minister and JDS state President HD Kumaraswamy accused the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of intimidating the victims with threats of prostitution to extract false statements. “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 questioned Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda.
Alleging bias in the SIT inquiry, a JDS delegation led by Kumaraswamy also met Karnataka Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot on May 9, urging for the case to be transferred to the CBI. Currently, the Karnataka Police Special Investigation Team is handling the case.
Kumaraswamy alleged that the state government has failed to stop the dissemination of alleged rape videos, causing immense anguish, grief, and humiliation to the victims’ families. He claimed that the SIT’s activities are under the control and scrutiny of the state government on a daily basis, and he accused the SIT of operating under the directives of the Chief Minister and the Deputy CM.
Before meeting the Governor, HD Kumaraswamy addressed the media, alleging that the government is fuelling division within his community. “Many Vokkaliga leaders, including Ramalinga Reddy, Chaluvaraya Swamy, Krishna Byre Gowda and all ministers, are standing with the government over SIT investigation. This is what they do, they bring Vokkaliga leaders to fight against me…”
He added, “As per my information they have brought the family of victims, kidnapped woman. Why haven’t they produced them before the court? Why have they been kept in some guest house? Why can’t the SIT give information about her appearance before the magistrate?…Their intention is nothing but to keep HD Revanna in jail for three days.”
“It is impossible to expect a free, fair, and impartial inquiry from the SIT, as it is influenced and misguided by the state government. Therefore, the intervention of the Governor has been sought to recommend the case for a thorough inquiry by the CBI.” he said after meeting the Governor.
The SIT has established a helpline for survivors in the case seeking assistance or protection. The helpline number is 6360938947.