The Prince Embroiled In Scandal: The Prajwal Revanna Case
- Gautam Warrier
- May 8, 2024
- 2 min read
Grandson of former Prime Minister H.D. Devegowda and Lok Sabha Member from Hassan, Prajwal Revanna is a prominent figure in the Karnataka political milieu. The nephew of the former Chief Minister of Karnataka has recently found himself at the centre of the country’s latest high-profile sex scandal.
In the last week of April, reports emerged from various news sources that 3000 videos, shot by Prajwal Revanna, were circulated ahead of polling in the Hassan constituency. These videos explicitly depicted the grave sexual abuse of more than 400 women over a vast period of time. As media attention grew and surrounded the alleged sexual abuse, the Government of Karnataka launched a Special Investigation Team (SIT) on April 27, to probe into the case.
The following day, the heir to the Janata Dal (Secular) [JDS] fled to Germany using his diplomatic visa. Notably, he did not obtain the clearance required for the use of his diplomatic passport from the Ministry of External Affairs. His grandfather asserts that this trip was pre-planned, and was meant for election campaigning purposes. On April 30, however, he was suspended from the party until completion of the SIT probe.
Prajwal Revanna has continued to evade authorities, pushing the CBI to seek help from Interpol, which issued a Blue Corner notice on 5th May. The notice obligates States to identify and provide additional information about “missing persons”, such as their identity and location.
Back in Karnataka, a victim of the abuse (a maid working in the Revanna household) went missing, and was rescued from the farm house of an aide of H.D. Revanna. He is now faced with charges of kidnapping and forceful restraint, and is said to be uncooperative with authorities. Relatives of the family, including H.D. Devegowda, are accused of sex trafficking.
These women, whose faces have been revealed by authorities, have fled their homes out of fear for their safety. In the meanwhile, as the victims are forced into hiding, the alleged perpetrator continues to evade and abscond from abroad.
Sexual Assault Helplines:
Women Helpline Number - 181
AKS Foundation Helpline - 8793088814
Shakti Shalini - 10920
References:
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