Muted Reaction to Prajwal Revanna’s Sexual Assault Case Raises Questions of Political Bias

GG News Bureau
Bengaluru, 17th May. In the wake of the public outcry and mobilization seen in response to high-profile cases of sexual assault on women, the muted reaction to the sexual crimes allegations against Prajwal Revanna, including rape, has raised serious questions about societal and political priorities.

Prajwal Revanna, a JDS Member of Parliament from Hassan, faces multiple accusations of rape and sexual assault, supported by videos and victim statements. Despite the gravity of the charges, there has been a noticeable lack of urgency in ensuring that Revanna is questioned by authorities and subjected to due process. In an era where rapid legal action is often demanded, this case appears to be overshadowed by political maneuvering.

Over 100 intellectuals in Karnataka have petitioned the Chief Minister for Revanna’s immediate arrest, citing the need to protect witnesses and urging action against those who may have facilitated Revanna’s escape. Their demands include arresting Revanna’s driver, who allegedly approached political leaders with incriminating videos, and investigating politicians, intelligence, and police officials who might have helped Revanna flee the country before the case was registered on April 28.

The JDS has been criticized for not forcing Revanna to return or taking political action against him, appearing more focused on blaming the Congress for leaking the videos. While the source of the leaks is an important aspect of the investigation, the primary focus should be ensuring that Revanna faces legal scrutiny. The BJP has also faced scrutiny for not pressing its ally, the JDS, to act decisively, and there are calls for more aggressive intervention from the central government.

Questions have also been raised about whether the Congress-led state government is handling the case with the severity it deserves, or if political calculations are influencing their actions. The case risks becoming a political tug-of-war rather than being treated as a serious criminal matter.

Despite the serious allegations, only a blue-corner notice has been issued for Revanna, who is believed to be outside India. Critics argue that stronger measures, such as cancelling his passport or issuing a red-corner notice through Interpol, which would label him a proclaimed offender, should have been pursued. Victim statements recorded under Section 164 of the CRPC hold significant evidentiary value, and in this case, there is also alleged video evidence.

The JDS has called for a CBI probe into the case, while Revanna’s father, H D Revanna, was recently arrested and released on bail in a separate abduction case. As time passes, concerns grow that the focus on Prajwal’s case will diminish, weakening the pursuit of justice.

It is crucial that this case rises above political conflicts and is addressed with transparency and urgency. Ensuring due process is a responsibility shared by the state and central governments, the Congress, BJP, JDS, media, and civil society. While Prajwal Revanna remains innocent until proven guilty, the legal system must act decisively to uphold justice and public trust.