‘Women are going to be more scared now’: Why activists say HD Revanna’s bail should have been denied

When a special court in Bengaluru granted the Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Revanna bail on May 13 in a kidnapping case, activists were dismayed. On May 20, the same court went on to grant Revanna bail in a case involving alleged sexual harassment, among other offences. Since the investigation is underway, they believe that the release of this powerful politician could possibly hamper the investigation.

The sexual harassment case was filed on April 28, naming as accused both HD Revanna, a member of Karnataka’s legislative assembly, and his son Prajwal Revanna, the Janata Dal (Secular) member of parliament from Hassan. The kidnapping case was filed on May 2 by a resident of Mysuru, who alleged that Revanna was responsible for kidnapping his mother. Revanna was arrested two days later in connection with this case.

In a statement to The News Minute later, the woman said that she had previously been sexually assaulted by Prajwal Revanna. Videos of Prajwal Revanna’s alleged abuse of at least tens of women in Hassan have been circulating through pen drives and social media since late April. He has been absconding since April 27, even though police summoned him for questioning, and Interpol issued a blue corner notice for him. On May...

Read more