Karnataka minister rejects CBI’s demand for probe into Prajwal Revanna sexual harassment case

BENGALURU: Karnataka Home Minister Dr.

He said the state government’s criminal investigation department was competent enough to investigate the case.

“Kumaraswamy had asked over 100 questions. I can’t answer all of them. He had asked for the CBI probe, which we will not do. The SIT is competent. I said we will conduct a proper investigation,” the interior minister said.

According to Parameshwara, three people have been arrested so far in a case related to the kidnapping of a woman who is a mother of three children. Holenarasipura JD(S) MLA and Prajwal’s father HD Revanna are also accused and are currently in jail serving judicial remand.

Revanna is the son of former Prime Minister and JD(S) supremo HD Deve Gowda.

His son Prajwal, who is under investigation for several cases of sexual harassment against women, has reportedly fled the country and gone into hiding.

Commenting on the progress of the investigation, the home minister said three people have been arrested, including Revanna and his aide Sathish Babanna.

He declined to reveal the details of the third person because revealing the name would impact the investigation.

Asked if an investigation would be initiated against those who shared the videos, Parameshwara said: “We don’t want to hide anything. The probe will also cover the circulation of the USB stick.”

“Kumaraswamy claimed that police officers distributed it. Which police distributed it and where are the aspects we need to investigate. The SIT will decide whether to issue a notice to Kumaraswamy regarding his allegations,” Parameshwara said.

He said the government trusts the SIT and will wait for its report.

On Kumaraswamy’s demand to probe Rahul Gandhi over his statement that 400 women were raped, Parameshwara said it was the SIT’s decision.

Parameshwara said Prajwal Revanna’s driver Karthik Gowda, who was believed to have a USB drive containing explicit videos allegedly involving the MP and several women, was not arrested, saying there would have to be clear evidence to arrest one person is present.

“Until we get evidence, we cannot arrest Karthik or Devaraje Gowda (BJP leader),” the minister said.

When Parameshwara granted protection to Karthik or Devaraje Gowda, he said that the protection would be extended only to the women who were victims and no one else.