Thousands of videos allegedly depicting an Indian MP, Prajwal Revanna, sexually assaulting women have circulated in Karnataka, leading to widespread outrage.
Authorities are investigating the accusations against Revanna, who has been accused of assaulting multiple women.
While Revanna has not commented on the allegations, an official from his office has denied them, claiming that the videos are doctored.
Prajwal Revanna is affiliated with the Janata Dal (Secular), an ally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
His father, HD Revanna, also faces allegations in a police complaint filed by a former family employee, which he has dismissed as a political conspiracy.
Following these developments, the JD(S) announced the suspension of Prajwal Revanna.
Karnataka’s Chief Minister K Siddaramaiah has ordered a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the case, responding to a request from the state’s women’s commission.
These allegations emerged shortly after Revanna’s constituency voted in the general election, where he sought reelection.
Reports indicate that over 2,000 pen drives containing the alleged videos, reportedly filmed by Revanna himself, were distributed before the election.
These videos purportedly show the faces of the women involved in the abuse.
Nagalakshmi Chaudhary, head of Karnataka’s women’s commission, expressed shock at the videos, particularly one showing a woman pleading for mercy.
She emphasized the urgency of taking action against those responsible.
A 47-year-old woman, identified as a relative of Revanna’s mother and former cook for the family, filed a police complaint detailing sexual abuse by Revanna and his father.
She mentioned incidents of inappropriate touching, disrobing, and assault, along with accusations of abuse against her daughter and stalking by HD Revanna.
While Prajwal Revanna is reported to have left the country, his father has denied this claim, stating their readiness to face investigation.
This case has sparked political controversy in Karnataka, with questions raised about the candidate’s candidacy despite allegations of serious misconduct.
Source-BBC
