JD(S) to suspend Prajwal Revanna over allegations of sexual abuse

Janata Dal (Secular) (JD(S)) supremo HD Kumaraswamy on Monday (Apr 29) announced that the party has decided to suspend his nephew Prajwal Revanna over allegations of sexual abuse.

Revanna is the BJP-JD(S) alliance candidate for the Lok Sabha polls from the Hassan constituency, which went to the polls on Friday (Apr 26).

"A decision was already made. Tomorrow it is to be recommended at the core committee meeting in Hubballi. Because he (Prajwal) is a Member of Parliament, it has to be done from Delhi. So I had requested Deve Gowda (JD(S) National President and former PM). Neither he (Gowda) nor I were aware of this issue," Kumaraswamy claimed.

"Some issues that have come out, on the basis of that it has been decided yesterday itself to suspend (him). But many were in a hurry," the JD(S) state head said while talking to reporters.

Thirty-three-year-old Prajwal is HD Revanna's son and former PM and JD(S) patriarch HD Deve Gowda's grandson.

Recently,video clips allegedly showing Prajwal Revanna sexually abusing several women started doing rounds in Hassan.

The government formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the alleged sex scandal involving the Hassan MP.

"So far, there are no direct allegations against Prajwal Revanna. If the charges are true...punishment should happen in accordance with the law. There is no compromise. If Prajwal Revanna is wrong, our family is in agreement for action to be taken against him," Kumaraswamy said.

Kumaraswamy on Congress targeting BJP and PM Modi on the issue

Kumaraswamy further reacting to Congress leaders targeting BJP and PM Modi on the matter said, "Did PM Modi come for Prajwal Revanna's campaigning? What does PM Modi have to do with this case? What does the BJP have to do with this? Why link this with them? What does Deve Gowda or Kumaraswamy have to do with this?"

He also vehemently opposed the names of his father Deve Gowda, among other family members, being dragged into the matter.

"I want to ask Congress leaders, why bring family into it? Discuss the individual. An individual and his deeds are in question here, not the family...why bring the family's name, Deve Gowda's name or Kumaraswamy's name? I have myself said whoever has committed the mistake has to undergo punishment," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)