Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Karnataka forms SIT to probe sexual allegations against ex-PM Deve Gowda's kin

A file photo of former PM HD Deve Gowda.

The Karnataka government announced on April 28 the establishment of a special investigation team (SIT) tasked with delving into allegations of sexual misconduct involving HD Revanna, the Holenarasipura MLA and son of former prime minister HD Deve Gowda, alongside Prajwal Revanna, MP representing Hassan. Against the backdrop of escalating scrutiny, reports suggest Prajwal Revanna has allegedly absconded to Germany. However, both the Janata Dal (Secular), to which he is affiliated, and law enforcement entities have refrained from issuing official statements or confirming his precise whereabouts.

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Heading the SIT is BK Singh, the additional director-general of police, CID, who had earlier successfully investigated the murders of activist-journalist Gauri Lankesh and rationalist scholar MM Kalburgi.

In the wake of a police complaint lodged by a former domestic worker, the state women’s commission advocated for an inquiry, catalysing the establishment of the SIT. Political analysts say the allegations have cast a shadow over the reputation of the JD(S)-BJP coalition, particularly with Karnataka's Lok Sabha polling scheduled for May 7 looming on the horizon. The complaint, filed by the ex-cook, implicated both father and son legislators, detailing instances of sexual harassment during her brief tenure at their Hassan house in 2015.

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In 2019, Hassan was the only seat won  by the JD (S). The party has since become a constituent of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) following its alliance with the BJP in September 2023.

In her formal complaint, the 47-year-old woman alleged that Revanna and Prajwal had engaged in sexual assaults against female workers within their household.

Reports suggest that the SIT will delve into video clips allegedly showing Prajwal involved in forced sexual acts amounting to rape. These clips were part of a cache of numerous visuals found on abandoned pen drives at bus stops and parks in Hassan prior to the April 26 polls, during which Prajwal contested as a candidate.

Moneycontrol could not verify these reports independently.

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The circulation of these video clips on social media platforms has thrown the BJP-JD (S) coalition into disarray, as they grapple with how to address the situation amid the ongoing general election campaign.

Revanna and Prajwal, identified as the primary and secondary accused in the case stemming from the cook's allegations, have been charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code. These include IPC Sections 354A (pertaining to sexual harassment), 354D (related to stalking), 506 (involving criminal intimidation), and 509 (concerning the deliberate insult to a woman's modesty through offensive words, gestures, or actions).