Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday defended the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed to probe cases against JD(S) leaders Prajwal Revanna and his father H D Revanna, dismissing allegations from BJP leader Devaraj Gowda as baseless. The BJP leader in a presser accused the government of orchestrating a scheme to implicate prominent figures, including Prime Minister Modi, in ongoing cases, insinuating a political motive behind the investigations.
"Till yesterday evening they tried to convince me and came to me with deals. When I didn't accept their deals, the CM called SIT officials to meet. Their agenda is to bring PM Modi's name in this case as JDS and BJP have an alliance in the state. Deputy CM DK Shivakumar also sent me many offers to not release any names from the Congress Govt through LR Shivrame Gowda. I welcome if the Govt, DK Shivakumar and CM file a defamation case against me. I'll answer in court," BJP's Devaraj Gowda claimed, as quoted by news agency ANI.
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Claims BJP Ploy To Divert Probe On Prajwal Revanna
CM Siddaramaiah took to Twitter, stating, "The Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed to conduct an impartial investigation into the allegations of sexual misconduct against MP Prajwal Revanna is working independently and impartially. The accusations made by BJP Karnataka leader Devaraj Gowda are entirely untrue. This is a ploy aimed at protecting criminals by diverting the course of the investigation. The SIT is functioning with complete transparency. The government has not interfered even in the slightest."
He further added, "'SIT is working on remote control' as alleged by BJP leader Devaraj Gowda, is far from the truth. The intention behind this accusation is to derail the investigation to shield the wrongdoers. Despite the influence they may wield, the government is committed to legal proceedings against them."
"It is with this objective in mind that the SIT has been formed by including selected efficient officers. The success of the SIT investigation now entirely depends on the cooperation of the Central Government. It is imperative for the Central Government to cooperate in extraditing the accused Prajwal Revanna, who is said to be abroad. BJP, which still maintains a political alliance with JD(S), needs to clarify its stance," he stressed reiterating the demand for Prajwal Revanna's extradition.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar also rebuffed claims made by Devaraj Gowda, labelling them as "bundles of lies." Shivakumar remarked, "He tried to meet me and he said he would reveal all the truths about pen drive, internal issues of BJP and many other things."
"BJP and JDS are doing this kind of conspiracy, let them do whatever they want," he alleged, as quoted by ANI.
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Karnataka CID's SIT Grills Ex-PM Deve Gowda’s Son Revanna
The Karnataka CID's SIT on Monday intensified its interrogation of JD(S) MLA HD Revanna, son of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, news agency IANS reported.
HD Revanna, arrested in connection with a kidnapping case, has refused to sign a statement prepared by authorities, according to IANS. His son, Prajwal Revanna, a sitting JD(S) MP and NDA candidate, faces allegations in a separate scandal involving leaked videos depicting sexual abuse. Prajwal Revanna has fled the country, prompting authorities to issue a Blue Corner notice against him.
Amidst this, the victim's son maintains that HD Revanna played a pivotal role in the kidnapping. Nevertheless, HD Revanna, in SIT custody until May 8, denies any involvement, asserting his innocence and decrying the accusations as a smear campaign.