Australia win first Ashes Test against England by 251 runs
Birmingham: Australia beat England by 251 runs to win the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston on Monday.
England, set a target of 398 to win, collapsed to 146 all out on the last day, with Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon taking 6-49 and fast bowler Pat Cummins 4-32.
Victory gave Australia a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
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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 mail 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 mail 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.
