HD Revanna asks Hassan people to stay calm

Hassan: JD(S) MLA HD Revanna, who is an accused in molestation and kidnapping cases, on Wednesday told the people of Hassan that they need not fear as he and his father HD Deve Gowda are there to protect them Developments that have shaken the district.

Revanna is currently out on bail in two cases involving the kidnapping, unlawful detention and sexual harassment of a woman.

The kidnapped woman was also seen in one of the leaked videos in which she was allegedly tied up and raped by Revanna’s son and Hassan MP Prajwal, the victim’s son had said in a police complaint.

“There is no reason to be afraid. Only time will answer. Until then we must remain calm. I’m here. A Manju, Swaroop P, former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda are there…,” Revanna said at a press conference.

Revanna, a former minister and son of Deve Gowda, was responding to a question on the fear among people in Hassan district after Prajwal was accused of sexually assaulting several women. Prajwal was fielded as the NDA candidate for the Hassan seat in the Lok Sabha after his party JD(S) forged an alliance with the BJP last year. Shortly after the videos went viral, Prajwal traveled to Germany.

A court has issued an arrest warrant here and Interpol has issued a Blue Corner notice seeking information about his whereabouts. The Holenarasipura MLA said his father Deve Gowda had protected Hassan district for 60 years and would continue to do so now. “There is no reason to be afraid. We have the strength,” he said.

Responding to his younger brother and former chief minister HD Kumaraswamy’s request to Prajwal to come back, he said he would not comment if the matter was subdued.

Responding to a question to Congress leaders asking their colleagues in the JD(S) to talk to the victims and instill confidence in them, JD(S) legislator from Arkalgud A Manju said, “The Congress is in power.” Let Have them call the victims. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

On the party’s electoral prospects in Hassan, Revanna said it is up to the people. “This district supported Deve Gowda for 60 years. I have served as an MLA here for the last 25 years. I am indebted to the people of this district. I won’t say anything beyond that. Whether we are in power or not, we will continue to fight for the people. Our fight is not about power. We want the development of this district and nothing more,” the JD(S) MLA said.