Woman Files Sexual Harassment Complaint Against Karnataka MLA HD Revanna and Son MP Prajwal Revanna

A 47-year-old woman has filed a sexual harassment complaint against Karnataka MLA HD Revanna and his son MP Prajwal Revanna in Holenarsipura. The woman, who worked as a domestic worker in their house, alleged that Revanna and his son sexually assaulted women workers in their home between January 2019 and January 2022.

According to the complaint, Revanna used to call women to the storeroom and touch them inappropriately, especially when his wife was not home. The woman also claimed that Prajwal Revanna tried to flirt with her daughter and used obscene language with her during video calls. "Prajwal used to video call Parimala and harass her daughter, and she also received videos of other women being sexually assaulted by Prajwal," the FIR stated.

Based on the complaint, the Holenarsipura Town police have registered a case against the former minister under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 354A (sexual harassment), 354D (stalking), 506 (criminal intimidation), and 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman). The woman said she decided to step forward after watching online clips of other victims narrating their ordeal.

Why this matters: The case has sparked widespread outrage and calls for a thorough investigation, as it involves serious allegations against a prominent political family in Karnataka. The development comes amid a controversy surrounding Prajwal Revanna, who is the NDA candidate in the Hassan Lok Sabha constituency, after some explicit videos purportedly showing him went viral on social media.

In response to the allegations, the Karnataka government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by IPS officer Vijay Kumar Singh to probe the alleged role of Prajwal Revanna in the sex scandal. Prajwal, who is said to have left the country for Germany, has claimed that the videos were morphed and filed a complaint in this regard. HD Revanna refused to comment on the case against him, stating that the SIT can investigate as they are in power and he would face the case legally.

Key Takeaways

• 47-yr-old woman files sexual harassment complaint against Karnataka MLA, MP
• Allegations of inappropriate touching, flirting, and sending explicit videos
• Case registered under IPC sections for sexual harassment, stalking, and more
• Karnataka govt forms SIT to probe MP's alleged role in sex scandal
• MP claims videos were morphed, while MLA refuses to comment on the case