Hassan, Karnataka – In a significant development, Karnataka Police on Sunday arrested Janata Dal (Secular) MLC Suraj Revanna, the younger brother of sexual assault-accused Prajwal Revanna, following a complaint filed by a party worker. The complainant alleged that Suraj sexually assaulted him at his farmhouse on June 16.
Suraj Revanna, who is also the son of HD Revanna, MLA from Holenarasipura, was arrested at the Cyber Economic and Narcotics Crime (CEN) police station in Hassan. He was there in connection with a blackmail case he had filed along with an acquaintance, Shivakumar, against the complainant.
Details of the Incident
The complainant, a JD(S) worker, alleged that Suraj invited him to his farmhouse and forcefully kissed him, biting his lips and cheeks. He claimed Suraj assured him political growth in the district following the assault. The complaint, registered at the Holenarasipura police station, led to the filing of charges under IPC sections 377 (unnatural sex) and 506 (criminal intimidation).
In response to the allegations, Suraj Revanna claimed that he was being blackmailed over false charges and that a demand of 3 crore rupees was made from him. His friend Shivakumar supported this claim, stating that the complainant initially approached them seeking a job due to financial distress but later demanded money.
Official Statements and Investigation
Speaking to the media, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara confirmed the arrest and the transfer of the case to the state’s Crime Investigation Department (CID). He emphasized that all complaints and counter-complaints would be investigated according to the law.
“The complaint wasn’t registered till yesterday. After the complaint was received, an FIR was registered. Suraj was secured and an inquiry is underway,” Parameshwara said. He also dismissed any notions of vendetta politics, asserting the legal process’s adherence.
Arrest and Investigation Process
The arrest took place after a prima facie inquiry at the CEN police station, where senior officials, including Hassan SP Sujeetha Mohammed, ensured Suraj Revanna did not evade arrest. The process reportedly took four hours, emphasizing the diligence of the law enforcement authorities.
The complainant, who initially refused certain medical tests in Hassan, was brought to Bengaluru for a potency test scheduled at Bowring Hospital on Sunday.
Background and Family Controversies
This arrest comes in the wake of former JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna’s judicial custody for multiple sexual harassment allegations. Prajwal, who fled the country after videos surfaced, was arrested by the SIT upon his return from Germany on May 31. Additionally, their mother, Bhavani Revanna, and father, HD Revanna, face charges of kidnapping and sexual assault.
Suraj Revanna’s denial of the allegations as a political conspiracy highlights the ongoing controversies surrounding the family. The Karnataka government’s decision to involve the CID in this case underlines the seriousness of the investigation.
Conclusion
The arrest of Suraj Revanna marks another chapter in the series of legal battles faced by the Revanna family. As the investigation unfolds, the JD(S) leader’s fate will depend on the findings of the CID, ensuring justice is served based on the truth.