New Delhi: JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy addressed concerns surrounding an alleged sex scandal involving his nephew and Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna, stating his intention to await the outcome of the investigation before coming to any conclusions.
Kumaraswamy emphasised that adherence to the law is most important and there will be no forgiveness for anyone found guilty of wrongdoing.
Prajwal Revanna, the 33-year-old son of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda's elder son HD Revanna, found himself embroiled in controversy as explicit video clips purportedly featuring him surfaced in Hassan. Prajwal, contesting as the BJP-JD(S) alliance's candidate from Hassan, has reportedly left the country, prompting questions about his involvement in the scandal, news agency PTI reported.
Kumaraswamy distanced himself from Prajwal Revanna's departure, asserting that it falls under the jurisdiction of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) tasked with the probe. He affirmed his commitment to addressing issues concerning women respectfully, stating the need for a thorough investigation into the matter.
"I have noticed that the chief minister has ordered an SIT probe. Whether it is me or Deve Gowda (his father), we have always conducted ourselves respectfully towards women and have responded positively when anyone came with any sufferings. We have tried to address them,” PTI quoted Kumaraswamy as saying.
“The Hassan related issue that started during elections, let the facts come out through a probe. Whoever it is, who has committed the mistake as per the law of the land...there is no question of forgiving anyone who has committed the mistake. So let the facts come out from the probe, after that I will react,” he added.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has ordered the formation of an SIT to investigate the alleged scandal following a petition from the Karnataka State Commission for Women. The decision came after explicit videos circulating in Hassan raised concerns of sexual assault, prompting demands for a thorough inquiry.
Despite Prajwal Revanna's denial of involvement and claims that the videos are doctored, the gravity of the situation has prompted swift action from police.
Meanwhile, CID wing of SIT will be led by IPS officer Vijay Kumar Singh. DG CID Suman D Pennekar and IPS officer Seema Latkar will be members of the team, ANI reported.