HD Revanna
Karnataka MLA HD Revanna, a prominent leader of the Janata Dal (Secular), has been remanded to judicial custody until May 14 in connection with a kidnapping case related to an ‘obscene video’ controversy. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) apprehended him on May 4, following allegations stemming from a case registered at the KR Nagar police station in Bengaluru.
Revanna, along with his son Prajwal Revanna, a sitting MP and candidate for re-election from the Hassan Lok Sabha constituency, faces scrutiny by a government-appointed SIT. The inquiry follows accusations of sexual harassment and criminal intimidation lodged by a woman formerly employed in their household. Prajwal Revanna, who contested as an NDA candidate, concluded his electoral campaign on April 26.
The charges against HD Revanna and his associate include Sections 364A, 365, and 34 of the IPC, pertaining to kidnapping and conspiracy. The FIR filed by KR Nagar police identifies Revanna as the primary accused, with another individual named Babanna as an accomplice.
Revanna has denounced the allegations as a “political conspiracy” orchestrated against him, citing his four-decade-long political career as evidence of his integrity. Meanwhile, former Chief Minister and JD(S) chief HD Kumaraswamy has accused the Congress-led Karnataka government of orchestrating a smear campaign against Revanna, alleging misuse of power and a lack of impartiality in the investigation.
Kumaraswamy further alleged that police officers circulated a pen drive containing purportedly incriminating videos involving Prajwal Revanna and advocated for a CBI inquiry into the matter.
