BENGALURU:  The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Criminal Investigation Department of Karnataka police was specially formed to investigate the cases of sexual assault and harassment against former Janata Dal Secular (JDS) party MP Prajwal Revanna, 34, and also involving his father, H.D. Revanna a sitting MLA has filed a detailed chargesheet in the first of the four cases. H.D Revanna is the son of former Prime Minister and JDS supremo H D Deve Gowda, and Prajwal the grandson.

The comprehensive charge sheet which spans 2,144 pages, was submitted to a special court for public representatives and includes statements from approximately 150 witnesses and outlines harrowing accounts of sexual abuse, intimidation, and rape of a woman employed in the Revanna household, who has alleged that both Prajwal and his father were involved in the crimes. Apart from the victim and her daughter, two other victims of sexual harassment by the former MP are witnesses in the chargesheet filed by the SIT.

The SIT's investigation revealed that explicit videos, purportedly filmed without consent, were circulated on social media, leading to public outrage and demands for accountability. Furthermore, the investigation has uncovered a disturbing cache of 2,976 videos, some of which are only a few seconds long, allegedly recorded at the Revanna residences in Bengaluru and Hassan since 2019.

These videos reportedly depict various women being sexually assaulted, raising serious concerns about the extent of the alleged abuse. Following the emergence of these videos, Prajwal attempted to flee the country and destroy evidence, including mobile phones containing incriminating footage. In the recordings, the woman can be heard pleading with the former MP in a bid to dissuade him. However, as per the charge sheet he threatened her, saying, “If you reveal this, I’ll send your husband to jail. I’ll do the same to your daughter. I know how to close any case, no matter what. I’m an MP, and nobody can do anything to me.” He also threatened to kill her, the charge sheet said.

Prajwal Revanna has been charged under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including sections 376 (rape), 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), and 354(A) (sexual harassment). His father, H.D. Revanna, faces charges under sections 354 and 354(A) as well. The SIT is also investigating additional cases against Prajwal, indicating that this may be just the beginning of a broader inquiry into his alleged misconduct.

The allegations have sparked significant political fallout, with Prajwal's party suspending his membership following the scandal. The case has drawn attention from various women's rights organizations, prompting calls for a thorough investigation and justice for the victims. The Karnataka government has also established a helpline for victims to report crimes related to the Revanna family, reflecting the seriousness of the situation.