BJP leader Devaraje Gowda remanded in custody on molestation and rape charges

Hassan (Karnataka): BJP leader and lawyer G Devaraje Gowda, who was arrested for alleged molestation and rape, was sent to 14 days judicial custody on Saturday.

The BJP leader was arrested by Hiriyur police in Chitradurga district from Gulihal toll plaza late on Friday evening. He was arrested following a tip-off from the Hassan police.

Earlier on Saturday, he was taken for questioning to Holenarasipura in Hassan district, where the incident allegedly took place, police said.

He was then brought before a judge, who sentenced him to 14 days in custody.

An FIR was registered against Gowda on a complaint from a 36-year-old woman from Hassan district who alleged that he molested and raped her on the pretext of helping her sell her property.

A harassment case was registered against Gowda on April 1. On Friday, the woman approached the police again and alleged that she was also raped by him, a police officer told PTI.

Holenarasipur police reached Chitradurga on Saturday morning. After the trial, Hiriyur police handed over Gowda to Holenarasipura police.

Gowda had unsuccessfully contested the 2023 assembly election with the BJP party and was defeated by JD(S) MLA and former minister HD Revanna.

He had also claimed that he had alerted the BJP leadership last year about the alleged sexual abuse of several women by Prajwal Revanna and warned the saffron party against giving a Lok Sabha ticket to the JD(S) MP from Hassan give.