MLC Suraj Revanna, a member of the Janata Dal (Secular) party, has been arrested following allegations of sexually abusing a 27-year-old man in Hassan district. The incident, which has shocked the local community, has drawn widespread media attention due to the high-profile nature of the accused, who is the grandson of former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The case has now been handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation.

MLC Suraj Revanna

The arrest followed a complaint lodged by the victim, a young man from Arkalgud taluk in Hassan district. The victim alleged that Suraj Revanna, the eldest son of Holenarasipura MLA H D Revanna, sexually abused him at his farmhouse in Ghannikada on June 16. According to the complaint, Suraj promised the young man a job as a way to lure him to the farmhouse, where the alleged abuse took place. The victim reported the incident to the Holenarasipura police, who registered a case under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including Section 377 (unnatural offences), Section 342 (wrongful confinement), and Section 506 (criminal intimidation).

Following the registration of the complaint, Suraj Revanna was apprehended and initially held in Hassan. However, the investigation was quickly transferred to the CID, a move that is often made in high-profile cases to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation. Suraj was then transferred to Bengaluru, where he was produced before the 42nd Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court (ACMM) judge at the judge’s residence. The magistrate remanded Suraj in judicial custody for 14 days.

Suraj Revanna has vehemently denied the allegations against him, claiming that the complaint is part of an extortion attempt. He has accused the victim of filing a false complaint in an effort to extort Rs 5 crore from him. This counter-claim has added another layer of complexity to the case, as it suggests that there may be more at play than initially meets the eye.

The allegations against Suraj have sent shockwaves through the political community, particularly within the Janata Dal (Secular) party. As a prominent political figure and the grandson of a former Prime Minister, Suraj’s arrest has garnered significant media coverage. The case also highlights the ongoing issues of power dynamics and abuse within Indian politics, a subject that has been the focus of much public and media scrutiny in recent years.

The judicial proceedings and the CID’s investigation will be closely watched by the public and media alike. Cases involving high-profile individuals often attract intense scrutiny, not only because of the individuals involved but also because of the broader implications for justice and accountability within the political system. The outcome of this case could have significant repercussions, both for Suraj Revanna personally and for the political landscape in Karnataka.

As the case progresses, it is essential to ensure that the investigation is conducted impartially and that all parties involved are given a fair hearing. The CID’s involvement is a positive step in this direction, as it brings a level of expertise and impartiality that is crucial in high-stakes cases such as this. Additionally, it is vital for the judicial system to uphold the principles of justice and ensure that any decision made is based on a thorough and fair examination of the evidence.

The allegations against Suraj Revanna are serious and have the potential to significantly impact his political career and personal life. For now, he remains in judicial custody, and the CID’s investigation continues. The coming weeks will be critical in determining the course of this case and its eventual outcome.

On Saturday, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) took suspended JD(S) leader Prajwal Revanna to his house in Holenarasipura, Hassan district, for a spot inspection. Prajwal, aged 33, who had contested the Lok Sabha election as an NDA candidate from Hassan, is currently embroiled in multiple sexual assault cases.

The situation is further complicated by the involvement of Prajwal’s family in legal troubles. His father, Holenarasipura MLA H D Revanna, and mother Bhavani Revanna, are out on bail related to a kidnapping case. This case pertains to the abduction of a woman who allegedly appeared in numerous explicit videos of sexual assault, purportedly involving Prajwal.

According to police sources, SIT personnel brought Prajwal, the former Hassan MP, to his Holenarasipura residence under tight security measures. The authorities took no chances, cordoning off the entire area as a precaution. This marked Prajwal’s first visit to his residence since April 27.

Prajwal, who was seen wearing a black T-shirt and a mask, had been in Germany after explicit videos went viral, depicting women being sexually abused allegedly by him. He fled the country amidst the growing scandal, returning only on May 31, after which he was promptly arrested by the SIT. The SIT was established to thoroughly investigate the serious allegations of sexual assault against him.

This case has drawn significant media attention due to the involvement of a high-profile political family. Prajwal is the grandson of former Prime Minister and JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda. The scandal has not only tarnished Prajwal’s political career but also brought considerable scrutiny to his family’s activities and associations.

The investigation into Prajwal’s alleged crimes has been rigorous. The SIT has been methodical in gathering evidence and ensuring that all necessary legal procedures are followed. The inspection of Prajwal’s house in Holenarasipura was a critical part of the ongoing investigation, aimed at uncovering any additional evidence that could substantiate the charges against him.

The allegations against Prajwal have sparked widespread outrage and condemnation. Women’s rights organizations and activists have been vocal in demanding justice for the victims, calling for a swift and thorough investigation to ensure that those responsible are held accountable. The case has also prompted a broader discussion about the prevalence of sexual violence and the need for systemic changes to protect vulnerable individuals from such heinous acts.

As the investigation progresses, the SIT is expected to continue its meticulous work, leaving no stone unturned. The authorities are also likely to keep the public informed about significant developments in the case, given the high level of public interest and concern.

Prajwal’s legal team, on the other hand, is preparing to mount a robust defense, arguing that the allegations are part of a political conspiracy to tarnish his reputation and that of his family. They claim that the evidence against him is circumstantial and that the case is being blown out of proportion due to his high-profile status.

The judicial process will ultimately determine Prajwal’s fate, as the courts will assess the evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defense. The case is a reminder of the complexities and challenges involved in addressing allegations of sexual assault, particularly when they intersect with issues of power, politics, and public perception.

In the meantime, the affected communities in Holenarasipura and beyond are grappling with the implications of the case. The allegations have undoubtedly shaken the trust and faith of many individuals, highlighting the urgent need for effective mechanisms to address and prevent sexual violence.

The outcome of this high-profile investigation will have far-reaching consequences, not only for Prajwal and his family but also for the broader fight against sexual violence and the quest for justice for survivors. The nation watches closely as the judicial process unfolds, hoping for a resolution that upholds the principles of justice and accountability.

The state government on Friday dismissed Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) chairperson Shanth A Thimmaiah from his position for abuse of powers and violation of rules in three different instances, including sidestepping transparency laws while awarding works worth Rs 17 crore.

Last year, the government had issued a notice to Thimmaiah stating that he violated the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement (KTPP) Act as well as the rules for selecting a single source agency in awarding advertisement works worth Rs 17 crore. This was done without the technical endorsement from the member secretary and the necessary administrative approvals.

Thimmaiah had replied that the decision was brought to the notice of the Board, which had given post-facto approval. He argued that giving notice to the chairman was inappropriate since the board had endorsed his action, making it a collective decision.

However, the government noted that work worth Rs 3.4 crore was given to Sai Advertisers though the agency did not submit the cost sheet. Similarly, the government said the chairman illegally awarded work to Signpost India Pvt Ltd without inviting bids.

In the case of Rs 7 crore work given to Adonmo Pvt Ltd, the government said Thimmaiah “abused power” and picked the company “illegally” by violating the rules to set up a selection committee. As per the rules issued in 1976, the chairman has powers to decide on tender worth up to Rs 25,000. “However, by awarding works worth over Rs 7 crore, it is very clear that Shanth A Thimmaiah has abused his powers,” the order said.

In the second instance, the government had served notice to Thimmaiah for appointing Suri Payala, the IT Manager at KSPCB, as the member secretary (additional charge). As per the rule, the post can be held by a senior All India Service officer with a master’s degree in science or an equivalent degree in allied sciences with prior experience in matters connected to KSPCB.

Thimmaiah was appointed for three years in November 2021 in violation of the law. As per rule, his tenure would have been limited to less than six months. The Congress government sought to correct the mistake by removing him in August 2023. However, the Karnataka High Court granted a stay and allowed him to continue.

“As per The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act Section 4(2)(f) and as per high court orders, appointing chairman, member secretary, and members is a power vested with the government,” the order said, adding that Thimmaiah exceeded his brief.

The third instance related to the alleged scam in the clearances given to Enviro Recyclean Pvt Ltd, a plastic recycling company. An audit by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) found that the firm was not operational but had issued extended producer responsibility (EPR) certificates for recycling 3.48 lakh tonnes. The KSPCB had issued consent to operate the factory within seven days after issuing consent to set up the plant.

To a notice issued by the government for not suspending the officials responsible for the scam, Thimmaiah had stated that prior permission from the government was necessary for such actions. However, Thimmaiah had unilaterally suspended three environment officers. “This shows contradictory positions and biased action,” the order said, adding that his argument was “baseless”.

The dismissal order was accompanied by another order in which the government gave additional charge of Chairman’s position to B P Ravi, principal secretary (Ecology and Environment).

Thimmaiah’s tenure as KSPCB chairperson has been marred by controversies and allegations of rule violations. His decisions to award contracts without proper procedure and his appointments within the board have raised serious questions about governance and transparency. The government’s decisive action to remove him reflects its commitment to uphold the rule of law and ensure accountability within its institutions.

The awarding of significant contracts without the required endorsements and approvals is a grave violation that undermines public trust in governmental processes. The appointment of an IT manager to a senior administrative position bypassing established norms also showcases a disregard for due process.

The scandal involving Enviro Recyclean Pvt Ltd further compounds the issues, highlighting the lapses in regulatory oversight and potential corruption within the KSPCB under Thimmaiah’s leadership. The swift issuance of consents to the non-operational company points to severe procedural failures that demand stringent corrective measures.

Thimmaiah’s removal is a crucial step towards restoring the integrity of the KSPCB. It sends a clear message that misuse of power and violations of rules will not be tolerated. The appointment of B P Ravi as the interim chairperson aims to bring stability and ensure that the board’s operations are aligned with legal and procedural standards.

The government must continue to scrutinize and rectify any further irregularities to rebuild confidence in the KSPCB. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and adherence to established regulations in maintaining the credibility of public institutions.