Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has informed that a rape case has been filed against Prajwal Revanna, a JD(S) leader and the NDA's candidate for the Hassan constituency. The case stems from an alleged incident of kidnapping in Krishnaraja Nagar town, Mysuru district. Siddaramaiah instructed the police to locate and ensure the safety of the victims following reports of a woman being abducted from her home.
The victim, a mother of three, was purportedly taken by Holenarasipura MLA H D Revanna, Prajwal Revanna's father, and his associate Sathish Babanna. Videos purportedly show the victim being tied and raped by Prajwal Revanna, news agency PTI reported.
Police have apprehended Sathish Babanna and are questioning him regarding the incident. H D Revanna, son of former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, is implicated in the case.
Siddaramaiah criticized the BJP for its handling of the situation, stating, "Both the BJP and the JD(S) knew about Prajwal Revanna’s videos. Prajwal Revanna’s case is not just sexual harassment. He has raped women. A rape case has been registered (against him)."
He also expressed support for the complainants and remarked, "Will a woman lie that she has been raped? Won’t her life get destroyed after the complaint? If a married woman says openly that she has been raped then we have to accept it," as quoted by PTI.
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Modi Govt Is 'Protecting' Prajwal Revanna: CM Siddaramaiah
In questioning the BJP's stance, Siddaramaiah suggested that the Centre may have been complicit in Prajwal Revanna's departure from the country. "Can he go abroad without the knowledge of the Centre? Centre knows who and how many people are going abroad and to which country. Can anyone enter the country without sharing information? Centre is protecting Prajwal Revanna," he alleged.
Siddaramaiah further urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to cancel Prajwal Revanna's diplomatic passport, asserting that this action would facilitate his return to India. “Whichever country he is staying in, we will get him from there. That’s why I have written a letter to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting him to cancel his diplomatic passport,” he remarked.
The Chief Minister also took a swipe at former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, accusing him of inconsistency in his relationship with the Revanna family. He suggested that despite distancing himself from the Revannas, Kumaraswamy had previously campaigned for them, indicating a shared involvement in both politics and alleged wrongdoing.
Siddaramaiah vowed to pursue Prajwal Revanna's extradition from wherever he may be residing.