‘Police Shared (Prajwal Revanna) Videos Intentionally’: Claims HD Kumaraswamy, Demands Action

Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Kumaraswamy condemned the intentional circulation of the pen drive containing obscene videos related to the Prajwal Revanna sexual abuse case, alleging that it was done by police officers. He also questioned why no action has been taken so far against the accused.

Kumaraswamy named specific individuals, including Naveen Gowda, Karthik Gowda, Chetan, and Putti/Purtaraju, against whom a complaint has been filed. He pointed out the lack of action against them, even though an FIR was lodged on April 21. Additionally, he highlighted that the returning officer responded and closed the complaint on April 26 without any substantial follow-up.

“Complaint filed against Naveen Gowda, Karthik Gowda, Chetan, and Putti/Purtaraju. No action has been taken against any of them, though an FIR was filed on 21st April. On 26th April, Returning Officer replied and closed the complaint,” he said, as quoted by ANI.

Calling it a “dirty incident,” Kumaraswamy claimed, “When the voting was happening, CM told at least 100 times that HD Kumaraswamy and JD(S) candidates will lose for sure and JD(S) will lose.”

Kumaraswamy alleged that police officers deliberately circulated Prajwal Revanna’s videos on April 21 in regions like Bengaluru Rural, Mandya, and Hassan. He said that Revanna’s election agent, Poornachandra, had filed a complaint with the Hassan DC and police officials on April 22. “At 8 pm on the night of 21st April, a person called Naveen Gowda tweeted to watch Prajwal Revanna’s videos. I am not defending anything in those videos,” he stated as per ANI.

Urging swift action, the former CM referenced a complaint filed by Hassan JD(S) candidate Prajwal Revanna’s election agent and emphasised the need for law enforcement to ensure justice prevails. “Law has to take its own course, punishment must be given. There is no question of safeguarding anyone, irrespective of who they are,” Kumaraswamy stated.

Grandson of JD(S) supremo HD Deva Gowda, Prajwal Revanna, has been accused of sexual abuse after over 2,900 videos, allegedly recorded by himself, surfaced on the internet days before the second phase of the general elections were held on April 26. Revanna has been nominated for the Hassan Lok Sabha seat; however, he has been temporarily suspended from the party.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was established on April 28 by the Karnataka government to investigate the sexual abuse case. Sensing the impending investigation and arrest, Revanna fled the country on April 27 and has been travelling abroad using his diplomatic passport. According to reports, Revanna is expected to return to India and surrender before the SIT by May 13.