News Brief
Kuldeep Negi
May 10, 2024, 09:35 AM | Updated 09:35 AM IST
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In Karnataka, a new development in the sex video scandal involving JDS MP Prajwal Revanna has emerged.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) reported that a woman involved in the case was allegedly coerced into filing a false complaint by a group of people claiming to be police officers, under threats of harassment.
Further, the women's panel also observed that the 700 women who submitted online complaints are linked to a social activist group and do not have any direct involvement or connection with the primary complainant in the case.
"One woman complainant came to the commission to register a complaint against three individuals dressed in civil uniform, allegedly introducing themselves as Karnataka Police officials and forcing her to give a false complaint in this case," the NCW claimed.
"She stated that she is being called by random phone numbers threatening her to complaint. It has come to light that this complainant was forced by a group of individuals to file a complaint, under the threat of potential harassment and false implications. The victim has sought protection for her family's welfare, underscoring the seriousness of the situation," it added.
Following the NCW's statement, former Chief Minister and JDS State President H D Kumaraswamy accused the Special Investigation Team (SIT), responsible for probing the incident, of intimidating the victims.
He alleged that the SIT threatened the victims with charges of prostitution unless they gave statement in favour of the Congress government.
"The investigating officers are going to the doorsteps of the victims and threatening them. Tell us, isn't it a fact that the SIT officers are threatening the victims with false prostitution cases against them? Is this how the probe is being conducted," Kumaraswamy questioned.
Kumaraswamy raised concerns about the conduct of the investigation, questioning the treatment of the victims and the whereabouts of a rescued woman allegedly involved in the scandal.
Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna is the grandson of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, and son of JD-S MLA H D Revanna, who has been arrested for his alleged role in the kidnapping of a victim of the sex scandal involving his son. Kumaraswamy is the younger brother of H D Revanna.
Kumaraswamy emphasized that his family respects the law and that the guilty should face justice, distancing himself from any defence of Prajwal Revanna.
In response, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara defended the SIT' probe, stating that the investigation is being taken seriously and urging those with complaints against the SIT to formally file them.
"The SIT is conducting a probe and the state government has taken the matter seriously," he added.
"I can't answer everyone. If they have a complaint against the SIT, let them file it. The investigation is underway and once the report is submitted, all the details will be made available. If the victims are blackmailed over the videos, action would be initiated against the guilty," Parameshwara said.
Kuldeep is Senior Editor (Newsroom) at Swarajya. He tweets at @kaydnegi.