The Aryavarth Express
Agency (Karnataka): Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Kumaraswamy has urged for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into an alleged obscene video case linked to Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna. Kumaraswamy alleges that police officers intentionally distributed a pen drive containing the videos across various locations in Karnataka, including Bengaluru Rural, Mandya, and Hassan.
During a press conference, Kumaraswamy expressed his discontent with the handling of the case by local authorities and the election officer, questioning their lack of action since the video’s distribution on April 21. He criticized the formation and function of the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which he dubbed the “Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar investigation team,” referencing their perceived bias.
Kumaraswamy accused the SIT of acting under the influence of DK Shivakumar, a JD(S) leader, and demanded his suspension from the cabinet. He emphasized the need for a judicial inquiry, claiming that the state’s investigation was marred by a conspiracy aimed at tarnishing the Deve Gowda family’s reputation.
The JD(S) leader also highlighted that if he had been aware of the scandal involving Prajwal Revanna earlier, he would not have endorsed his candidacy. Additionally, Kumaraswamy has obtained a court order to prevent the media from associating him or Deve Gowda with the case without evidence.
This controversy follows the arrest of HD Revanna on May 4 in a related kidnapping case, with the SIT detaining him until May 8. Revanna, alongside his son Prajwal, who is a current MP and candidate from Hassan, faces charges of sexual harassment and criminal intimidation based on allegations from a former household staff member.
The creation of the SIT by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah aims to address these serious allegations, amidst Kumaraswamy’s calls for a more transparent and unbiased investigation by the CBI.