India

Prajwal Revanna sexual harassment case | Lookout circular against Hassan MP by government of Karnataka

A lookout notice has been issued against Janata Dal Secular (JDS) MP Prajwal Revanna, amid allegations of sexual harassment against him. Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara stated that Revanna must appear before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the matter at the earliest, indicating potential arrest if he fails to cooperate.

The controversy erupted after a woman accused Prajwal Revanna and his father, HD Revanna, of sexually harassing her. The woman, who claimed to have worked as a cook at the Revannas’ home, also alleged that the JDS MP harassed her daughter over video calls. Explicit visuals, allegedly involving Prajwal Revanna, have circulated on the internet, further fueling the storm.

Parameshwara warned, “They have to appear. If they don’t, they would be arrested,” referring to both Prajwal Revanna and HD Revanna.

Prajwal Revanna’s lawyer, Arun G, had earlier requested seven days for his client to appear before the investigators, citing the need to address various dimensions of the case. However, the SIT turned down the request for additional time.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Prajwal Revanna claimed the videos were morphed and stated, “As I am not in Bangalore to attend the inquiry, I have communicated to CID, Bangalore, through my advocate. The truth will prevail soon.”

The allegations have sparked a massive political row in the midst of the election season. The JDS has allied with the BJP for the polls, leading the Congress to launch an all-out attack against the BJP over the issue.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, questioning his silence on the matter. Union Home Minister Amit Shah hit back, stating that the BJP cannot remain with those who commit atrocities against women and questioning the Congress government’s inaction earlier.

The JDS first family, to which Prajwal Revanna belongs, holds significant influence among the Vokkaliga community in south Karnataka, where 14 Lok Sabha seats with substantial Vokkaliga voters went to polls on April 26.

The case has snowballed into a major controversy, with political parties trading barbs and the authorities seeking Prajwal Revanna’s cooperation in the ongoing investigation.