India: JD(S) MLA HD Revanna granted another interim bail in sexual harassment case until Friday

Former Karnataka Minister and JD(S) MLA HD Revanna was granted interim bail in connection with a sexual harassment case on Thursday (May 16).

The development came days after he got a conditional bail in the kidnapping case linked to the 'obscene video' case.

The 42nd Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court (ACMM) gave interim relief to Revanna till Friday (May 17).

A case of sexual harassment involving a 47-year-old house help was registered against Revanna, his son Prajwal Revanna who is also a MP, on April 28. HD Revanna had earlier submitted a bail application in connection with the case.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT), probing the alleged sexual abuse charges, had sent notices to HD Revanna and Prajwal to cooperate in the investigation, but both of them skipped it.

On Thursday, Revanna applied for anticipatory bail, SIT objected to this and asked for his custody or that he be remanded in judicial custody. The SIT further said that the court should reject his bail plea, reported news agency ANI.

After hearing both sides, the court decided to hear the matter again on Friday and till then gave relief to Revanna.

On Monday, a Special Court for elected representatives granted conditional bail to Revanna in the kidnapping case, setting the bond at ₹5 lakh. Following this, he was released from jail.

Revanna faces accusations of kidnapping one of the women allegedly sexually abused by his son, MP Prajwal, as depicted in leaked videos. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) subsequently arrested Revanna on May 4 in connection with the case.

What is the case against Revannas

HD Revanna and his son, Prajwal Revanna, are facing a SIT probe, constituted by the Karnataka government, over allegations of sexual harassment and criminal intimidation against the duo following a complaint by a woman who worked in their household.

The woman had claimed that the father-son duo had sexually abused her at the MLA's house.
HD Revanna, along with his associate, were booked under Sections 364A (kidnapping for ransom), 365 (kidnapping with intent to cause harm), and 34 (common intention) of the IPC.

The FIR, registered by KR Nagar police, lists HD Revanna as accused number one and another man, identified as Babanna, as accused number two.

Prajwal is believed to havefled to Germany amid the ingoing sexual harrassment case against him.

(With inputs from agencies)