Who is Prajwal Revanna and what did he do?

Score of videos, allegedly showing a member of the Indian Parliament engaging in molestation with women, have circulated throughout Karnataka, inciting widespread indignation. The implicated MP belongs to the Janata Dal, an ally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party.

Moreover, his father, HD Revanna, a legislator in the Karnataka state assembly, faces accusations in a police complaint filed by a former family employee, which he vehemently denies, attributing them to a political conspiracy.

Authorities are currently investigating allegations against Prajwal Revanna, who stands accused of attacking several women. While Mr. Revanna has refrained from commenting, an official from his office has refuted the claims, contending that the videos have been manipulated.

In response to the controversy, the JD(S) announced the suspension of Prajwal Revanna. It should be noted that the party was established by Mr. Revanna’s grandfather.

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.

Although allegations against Mr. Revanna surfaced in June of the previous year, a court order prevented media coverage of what was described as “altered videos.” However, just days before the April 26 elections in Hassan, where Mr. Revanna seeks re-election as MP, numerous USB drives containing incriminating footage were distributed in public areas. These videos allegedly captured Mr. Revanna engaging in the alleged misconduct.

One of the victims, in her complaint to the police, recounted her ordeal and urged action against the perpetrators. The gravity of the situation was further underscored by Nagalakshmi Chaudhary, the head of Karnataka’s women’s commission, who expressed profound disgust upon viewing the videos, noting the harrowing pleas of one victim.

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Adding to the complexity, a 47-year-old woman, claiming to be a relative of Mr. Revanna’s mother and a former cook for the family, filed a police complaint alleging molestation by both the MP and his father. This woman, spurred by witnessing similar experiences of other victims online, decided to come forward.

Prajwal Revanna’s father has adamantly refuted these claims amid reports of Prajwal Revanna leaving the country, allegedly for Germany.