New FIR filed against former-MP Prajwal Revanna for sexual harassment

Another First Information Report (FIR) has been lodged against former Member of Parliament (MP) Prajwal Revanna, citing charges of sexual harassment, stalking, and criminal intimidation, police sources disclosed on June 25.

The new FIR also implicates three others, including former BJP MLA from Hassan, Preetham Gowda, for allegedly sharing images captured by Prajwal during a video call in which the victim was sexually harassed.

This latest FIR marks the fourth case registered against Prajwal. “A new case has been registered by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) against Prajwal and three others.

Former BJP MLA Preetham Gowda has also been named in the FIR,” a police source confirmed to PTI.

The case includes several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) including, section 355 A (sexual harassment), section 354 B (assault or use of criminal force to disrobe a woman), section 354 D (stalking), section 506 (criminal intimidation).

Additionally, it involves Section 66 E (punishment for violation of privacy) of the Information Technology Act, according to police sources.

Prajwal is currently in police custody. The 33-year-old grandson of JD(S) leader and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda had recently failed to retain the Hassan parliamentary seat in the polls.

SIT officials apprehended Prajwal shortly after he arrived at Bengaluru Airport from Germany on May 31.

He had traveled to Germany on April 27, the day after the Hassan constituency voted in the Lok Sabha elections. A 'Blue Corner Notice' was issued by Interpol at the request of the SIT via the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to locate him.

A Special Court for Elected Representatives had issued an arrest warrant for Prajwal on May 18, following an application by the SIT.

Prajwal faces charges in three separate sexual assault cases, including accusations of rape.

The allegations of sexual misconduct emerged when pen drives containing explicit videos allegedly involving Prajwal were circulated in Hassan ahead of the Lok Sabha polls on April 26. Following these revelations, the JD(S) suspended Prajwal from the party.

As investigations continue, the legal troubles for Prajwal Revanna appear to be mounting, further complicating his political and personal life.

The involvement of high-profile figures such as former BJP MLA Preetham Gowda adds another layer of complexity to the case, indicating a broader network of individuals allegedly involved in the misconduct.