Prajwal Revanna sexual assault case: SC dismisses suspended JD(S) leader’s bail plea

The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed the bail plea of Janata Dal (Secular) leader Prajwal Revanna in the rape and sexual assault cases against him. The Karnataka High Court had rejected bail for the suspended party leader earlier.

Hearing the bail petition, a bench comprising Justices Bela M. Trivedi and Satish Chandra Sharma dismissed Revanna’s bail petition considering the gravity of charges. The bench noted there were several complaints against the suspended JD(S) leader when his counsel argued that there was no mention of rape in the complaint registered against Revanna.

Prajwal Revanna, grandson of JD(S) patriarch and former prime minister H.D. Deve Gowda is accused of sexually assaulting several women and recording those acts. He had contested the recently held Lok Sabha elections from Hassan, however, he lost to Congress candidate Shreyas Patel in the polls.

The sexual allegations emerged after the polls and he had left for Germany soon after the polls held on April 26. A Special Investigation Team was formed to probe the case and Revanna was arrested 

minutes after he landed from Germany. The sexual abuse cases came to light after pen drives containing the alleged videos were circulated in Hassan ahead of polls.

The former MP is facing charges under various sections including IPC Sections 376(2)n (commits rape repeatedly on the same woman, 376(2)k (rape while being in a position of control or dominance over a woman), 506 (criminal intimidation), 354(a) (Sexual harassment), 354b (Assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to disrobe), 354c (Voyeurism) and Section 66E (Punishment for violation of privacy) of Information Technology Act, Live Law reported.

Prajwal Revanna is facing charges in four cases. Besides him, his father Revanna and his mother Bhavani are also facing charges in related cases. His bother, Suraj Revanna, was also arrested for sexually assaulting a party worker.