BJP leaders demand CBI probe

Bengaluru: Leaders of the opposition BJP in Karnataka on Sunday continued their demand for a CBI probe into the sexual abuse allegations against Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna and related cases to ensure a fair probe.

The 33-year-old JD(S) MP, grandson of JD(S) patriarch and former prime minister HD Deve Gowda, is accused of sexually abusing women. The scandal triggered a political storm as the ruling Congress and the BJP-JD(S) traded blows.

While the Congress government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the cases, the BJP and JD(S) – NDA partners – have demanded handover to the CBI and action against those behind leaking explicit videos.

Bommai accuses SIT of “witch hunting”.

BJP leader and former chief minister Basavaraj Bommai said the main task of the SIT was to bring the culprits to book and ensure punishment, accusing it of “witch hunting”.

“People are wondering how the investigation is progressing. A complaint was lodged with the National Commission for Women that (a woman) was forced to file a complaint (in connection with the case). Complaints will also be lodged against those who provided information about the sexual abuse case,” Bommai said.

Addressing reporters here, he said that the main task of the SIT is to bring the culprits to book and ensure that they are punished. Instead, however, a “witch hunt” is being carried out, which is causing the investigation to lose track.

Responding to a question on demands that Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar should also be probed following allegations about his role in circulating explicit videos, Bommai said:

“Interrogation of all persons related to the main case and related other cases will only ensure completion of the investigation. “So we are saying that the case will be conducted fairly if it is handed over to the CBI.”

Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition in Karnataka Assembly R Ashoka said the BJP’s clear stand is that the party will support its alliance partner JD(S) in its fight and there should be a CBI probe in the case.

“A CBI probe is necessary as cases will be initiated against those who first gave information about the sexual abuse case,” he said.