Serious allegations of rape omitted from FIR against Prajwal Revanna: Social Activists
Hassan: A group of social activists from Karnataka have written to the DGP of Karnataka Police alleging serious lapses in the investigation on the part of the police. The letter states that the FIR filed against Prajwal Revanna at the Holenarasipura Police Station has revealed glaring omissions, potentially weakening the case against the accused.
The letter mentions that the complaint, lodged by a 47-year-old woman, alleges sexual assault and harassment by Prajwal Revanna, son of former minister HD Revanna and current MP. Despite the serious nature of the allegations, the FIR registered under crime number 107/2024 failed to include sections related to rape, raising concerns about the thoroughness of the investigation.
The victim's complaint detailed harrowing incidents of abuse during her employment at HD Revanna's residence, where Prajwal Revanna allegedly subjected her to repeated sexual assaults and harassment. Shockingly, the FIR only listed sections 354a, 354d, 506, and 509 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), neglecting to include charges of rape despite compelling evidence provided by the complainant.
Further examination of the evidence, including videos purportedly showing instances of sexual assault, suggests a disturbing pattern of behavior by the accused. While some videos depict consensual activity, others reportedly show acts performed against the women's will, indicating potential instances of rape. However, the absence of corresponding charges in the FIR raises questions about the integrity of the investigation process.
Moreover, the complaint alleges that Prajwal Revanna not only targeted the complainant but also subjected her daughter to sexual harassment. Despite these serious allegations, the FIR only mentions one victim, overlooking the plight of both women affected by the alleged abuse.
Concerns have been raised about possible undue influence exerted by Prajwal Revanna and his family, known for their political clout in the state. This influence may have influenced the police to register a weaker FIR and omit rape charges to shield the accused from accountability.
In response to these grave discrepancies, demands have been made to rectify the shortcomings in the investigation process. These include the presence of a women counselor during victim statements, suspension of the Holenarasipur Police Circle Inspector responsible for the FIR, provision of security to the victims, and a thorough investigation into all allegations of sexual harassment.
Prominent figures and organizations, including Meenakshi Bali, President of Janavadi Mahila Sangathan, and Sabiha Bhumi Gowda, representing the Women's Anti-Violence Association, have stressed on the urgency of addressing these concerns to ensure justice for the victims and accountability for the accused.
Demands mentioned in the letters and coloumn
1. There should be a women counselor while the complainant is recording the statement of the victimized women
2. The Inspector of Holenarasipur who lodged an FIR under weak sections despite clear signs of rape should be suspended.
3. The complainant should provide security to the women victims.
4. The police should find the women in the video and file a statement.
5. A restatement of the woman who has already lodged a complaint should be taken.
6. In FIR 107/2024 action should be taken against the police who have not put in the column of victims even though there are two victims.
7. Additional points and sections should be added and strengthened to the FIR already registered.
8. Policemen who are closely connected with the accused family should be transferred
9. All officers posted on the recommendation letter of any family member of the accused should be transferred from Hassan
10. As this is a heinous case of sexually harassing hundreds of women using his influence as a weapon, it must be ensured that this case is investigated impartially and fearlessly.
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UDF leaders see local body poll trends as pointer to 2026 Assembly elections in Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): Buoyed by the strong performance of the Congress-led UDF in the local body polls, KPCC president Sunny Joseph said on Saturday that the front's results indicated the people had rejected the LDF government.
According to early trends, the UDF was leading in more grama panchayats, block panchayats, municipalities and corporations than the LDF.
The local body polls were held in two phases in the state earlier this week.
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Speaking to reporters here, Joseph said the people of Kerala had extended their support to the UDF.
"We could expose the LDF government’s anti-people stance and the people understood it. The LDF’s fake propaganda was rejected by the people. The UDF is moving towards a historic victory," he said.
He said a united effort, proper preparations, good candidate selection and hard work had resulted in the Congress and the UDF’s victory in the elections.
Asked about the prospects in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, Joseph said the party was studying the matter and would comment later.
LDF convenor T P Ramakrishnan said the results would be closely examined.
According to him, the government had done everything possible for the people.
"Why such a verdict happened will be examined at the micro level. People’s opinion will be considered and further steps will be taken," he said.
He added that decisions would be taken after analysing the results. "If any corrective measures are required, we will initiate them and move forward," he said.
AICC leader K C Venugopal said the results showed that people had begun ousting those who, he alleged, were responsible for the loss of gold at Lord Ayyappa’s temple.
"This trend will continue in the Assembly elections as well. It is an indication that the people are ready to bring down the LDF government," he said.
Venugopal said the UDF had registered victories even in CPI(M) and LDF strongholds.
"I congratulate all UDF workers for their hard work. Congress workers and leaders worked unitedly," he said.
Referring to remarks made by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan against the Congress on polling day, Venugopal said the voters had responded through the verdict.
"I do not know whether the chief minister understands that the people are against him. Otherwise, he does not know the sentiment of the people. The state government cannot move an inch further," he said.
He said the results indicated a strong comeback for the UDF in Kerala.
Asked whether the Sabarimala gold loss issue had affected the LDF in the local polls, Venugopal said the CM and the CPI(M) state secretary did not take the issue seriously.
"We took a strong stand on the matter. The BJP played a foul game in it," he alleged.
On the BJP's role in the local body elections, Venugopal alleged that the party operated with the CPI(M) 's tacit support.
"The CPI(M) supported the central government on issues such as PM-SHRI, labour codes and corruption in national highway construction. The CPI(M) is facing ideological decline, and the state government’s policies are against the party’s own decisions," he said.
Meanwhile, LDF ally Kerala Congress (M) leader Jose K Mani said the party could not win all the wards it had expected in the elections.
He congratulated winners from all parties and said the party would closely examine the losses and identify shortcomings. "Later, we will take corrective measures," he added.
Senior Congress leader and MP Rajmohan Unnithan said the trends in the local body elections indicated that the UDF would return to power in the 2026 Assembly elections.
"We will win 111 seats as in 1977 and return to power in 2026. The anti-government sentiment of the people is reflected in the elections," he said.
Unnithan said the people were disturbed and unhappy with the present government.
"The trend indicates the end of the LDF government," he added.
CPI(M) MLA M M Mani said the people had shown ingratitude towards the LDF despite benefiting from welfare schemes.
"After receiving all welfare schemes and living comfortably, people voted against us due to some temporary sentiments. Is that not ingratitude," he asked.
Mani said no such welfare initiatives had taken place in Kerala earlier.
"People are receiving pensions and have enough to eat. Even after getting all this, they voted against us. This is what can be called ingratitude," he said.
Muslim League state president Panakkad Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal said the results were beyond expectations.
"The outcome points towards the Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram, indicating that a change of government is imminent. We are going to win the Assembly election," he said.
