Alleged Sexual Abuse Videos Involving Karnataka MP Ignite Public Outcry
Numerous videos purportedly depicting a Member of Parliament from Karnataka engaging in sexual abuse have circulated widely, prompting widespread condemnation.
Prajwal Revanna is under investigation following accusations of assaulting multiple women. While Mr. Revanna has not responded directly, an official from his office refuted the allegations, asserting that the videos have been tampered with.
A member of the Janata Dal (Secular), Mr. Revanna is an ally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party. His father, HD Revanna, a legislator in the Karnataka state assembly, is also implicated in a police complaint lodged by a former family employee. He has vehemently denied the accusations, labeling them a political scheme.
On Monday, the JD(S) announced the suspension of Prajwal Revanna. The party, founded by Mr. Revanna’s grandfather HD Deve Gowda, a former Indian prime minister, took this action amidst escalating controversy.
Karnataka’s Chief Minister K Siddaramaiah has announced the formation of a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the matter, following a request from the state’s women’s commission.
Allegations against Mr. Revanna initially surfaced in June last year, with a court order issued to halt media reporting on what were described as “altered videos.” However, just days before the 26th April elections in Hassan, where Mr. Revanna is seeking re-election, thousands of USB drives containing incriminating footage purportedly recorded by the MP himself began circulating in public spaces such as bus stands and parks.
The distressing content of the clips, reportedly depicting the faces of the women allegedly abused, has shocked many. Following a complaint from one woman, the chief of Karnataka’s women’s commission, Nagalakshmi Chaudhary, urged action against the perpetrators, describing the footage as deeply disturbing.
On Sunday, a 47-year-old woman, identified as a cousin of Mr. Revanna’s mother and formerly employed as a cook for the family, lodged a police complaint alleging sexual abuse by both the MP and his father.
Recounting her experiences, she described a hostile work environment where multiple employees expressed fear of Mr. Revanna. She alleged repeated inappropriate advances from HD Revanna and sexual assault from Prajwal Revanna, particularly when his wife was absent. The woman claimed she was motivated to speak out after witnessing similar accounts from other victims online.