Sexual Harassment Case: HDK Slams SIT, Says 'SIT Means Siddaramaiah-Shivakumar Investigation Team'

Former Karnataka Chief Minister and JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy held a press conference on Tuesday regarding the circulation of 'obscene videos' involving JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna.

Kumaraswamy strongly condemned the distribution of a pen drive in Bengaluru Rural, Mandya, and Hassan, which was allegedly orchestrated by police officers on April 21. He revealed that a complaint was lodged by Prajwal Revanna's election agent Poornachandra on April 22.

"I'm addressing this press conference over a disgraceful incident that should not have occurred in our society. On April 21, a pen drive was circulated throughout the state, orchestrated by police officers. They intentionally circulated it in Bengaluru Rural, Mandya, and also in Hassan," the former CM stated, as quoted by news agency ANI.

"Hassan JD(S) candidate Prajwal Revanna's election agent Poornachandra filed a complaint with the Hassan DC and police on April 22. At 8 pm on the night of April 21, a person called Naveen Gowda tweeted about watching videos of Prajwal Revanna. I am not defending anything in those videos. The law must take its own course, and punishment must be given. There is no question of protecting anyone, regardless of their status," he added.

Expressing dismay over the lack of action from the police and the Returning Officer, Kumaraswamy emphasized the need for transparency in investigating those responsible for sharing the videos and pen drive.

"A complaint was filed against Naveen Gowda, Karthik Gowda, Chetan, and Puttaraju. Despite an FIR being filed on April 21, no action has been taken against any of them. On April 26, the Returning Officer replied and closed the complaint," he stated.

"No action has been taken by the Police or Election Returning Officer until now. Who shared the videos and pen drive? During the voting process, the CM repeated at least 100 times that HD Kumaraswamy and JD(S) candidates would surely lose. JD(S) will lose," he continued.

Kumaraswamy also criticised the ongoing Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the matter, stating, "It's not a special investigation team; it's a Siddaramaiah investigation team and Shivakumar investigation team."

"The truth must come out. DK Shivakumar had said that Kumaraswamy, you cannot win. On April 26, the elections concluded (second phase). Still, no action has been taken against anyone. On April 26, a letter was written to the CM by Nagalakshmi Chowdhary, chairperson of the Karnataka State Commission for Women, mentioning 'powerful leaders involved in it.'

On April 28, a complaint was prepared and typed in Bengaluru and sent to Holenarasipura, and an FIR was lodged there, which is not an issue. So, the CM formed the SIT quickly. I understand what's happening. I thought the SIT would conduct a free and fair investigation. But I realised it's not a special investigation team; it's a Siddaramaiah investigation team and Shivakumar investigation team," he alleged.