Rape survivor forced to file complaint against Prajwal Revanna: Women's panel

The National Commission for Women (NCW) said that no woman victim had come forward to register a complaint against suspended JD(S) leader Prajwal Revanna for sexual abuse with the women's panel. However, one woman complainant reached out to the women's body and alleged that she was forced to register a fake complaint against Prajwal Revanna.

Explicit videos allegedly involving Prajwal Revanna had started making the rounds in recent days, following which a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed to probe the case. Multiple cases have been lodged against both Prajwal Revanna and his father-MLA HD Revanna, including a rape case against the former.

"She stated that she is being called by random phone numbers threatening her to complain. 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 NCW said.

The NCW said recent developments surrounding the Prajwal Revanna case have prompted the women's body to take swift and decisive action.

"The timely submission of the Action Taken Report by the concerned authorities revealed several significant findings. A SIT committee has been established to probe the matter thoroughly," it said.

"Notably, there is a commendable presence of female officers entrusted with conducting investigations, ensuring sensitivity and empathy in handling such cases," it said.

"The report indicates the registration of two cases based on complaints of sexual abuse by the victims, alongside an additional complaint filed for abduction by a relative. However, no victim has come forward to register a complaint with the commission in this case," the NCW stated.

The said victim, however, sought protection for her family's welfare, underscoring the seriousness of the situation, the NCW said.

In a separate development, the NCW said, 700 women who submitted online complaints were affiliated with a social activist group and had no direct involvement or association with the primary complainant in the case.

"Nevertheless, the NCW remains committed to thoroughly investigating their concerns, maintaining ongoing communication with the Karnataka Police authorities," the women's panel said.

Prajwal Revanna has asserted the videos, allegedly featuring him sexually abusing women, were morphed and lodged a complaint into the matter via his polling agent.

Prajwal Revanna is the BJP-JD(S) alliance candidate for the Hassan Lok Sabha seat which went to polls on April 26. The following day, he left for Germany on a diplomatic passport. The Centre said the suspended JD(S) leader did not seek political clearance for the trip.

(with inputs from PTI)