Latest news with #Secular
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Be ye never so high, law is above you
A mechanical engineer by qualification, the 34-year-old grandson of former prime minister HD Deve Gowda and a former MP, Prajwal Revanna is now a convicted rapist and lodged in Bengaluru Central Prison as prisoner number 15528. On August 2, the MLA/MP court in Bengaluru sentenced Prajwal to life imprisonment and fined Rs 11 lakh for raping a 47-year-old domestic worker in Mysuru and recording the assault. Of the four rape and sexual abuse cases against him, this was the first case (rape) that led to trial and conviction. The fine will be paid as compensation to the survivor – a daily wage worker, who had the spine of steel and had withstood shame, agony, social ostracisation and fear of the backlash from the political elite. Pronouncing the maximum sentence of life imprisonment following his conviction in rape, Sessions Judge Santosh Gajanana Bhat, in his 466-page judgement, held that as an MP, Prajwal wielded his political and social dominance to violate a woman employed in his household, coercing her into silence through fear, shame, and manipulation. 'What are the safeguards against an arbitrary exercise of power?' The question posed in the judgement echoed through generational trauma of sexual exploitation of disempowered women by the rich and entitled. 'What would be the just compensation that can be awarded is a question that requires to be determined;' the tone of the verdict is as poignant as it is pertinent. Prajwal, a member of the 17th Lok Sabha from Hassan constituency – the heartland of Janata Dal (Secular) of his grandfather's making – was once the third youngest MP. He hails from the affluent, being the grandson of Deve Gowda – the Mannina Maga (son of the soil) – son of former Karnataka minister, HD Revanna and nephew of Union minister and former Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy. A graduate from Bangalore Institute of Technology, Prajwal discontinued his MTech course in Australia to help his grandfather with the 2014 Lok Sabha election from the JD(S) home turf – Hassan. The latter won the election.
Hans India
6 days ago
- Hans India
DKS stunt backfires as scooter used in video is of a traffic offender
Bengaluru: What was intended as a publicity move to showcase infrastructure progress turned into a shameful controversy for Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar. On August 5, Shivakumar rode a scooter to inspect the newly constructed loop on the Hebbal flyover, a project aimed at alleviating Bengaluru's notorious traffic congestion. The scooter, registered under the name "Babjan," was later found to have a staggering Rs. 19,500 in unpaid traffic fines from 34 violations, sparking widespread criticism and debate on social media platform X. The video of Shivakumar, accompanied by Minister Bairati Suresh, riding the scooter through the flyover loop initially garnered attention for its symbolic gesture. However, the narrative shifted dramatically when it was revealed that the scooter had a history of traffic rule violations. A user of X pointed out that the scooter had been fined for various offences that compounded to a fine of Rs. 19,500. Further investigation revealed that the scooter's issues extended beyond unpaid fines. Its insurance lapsed in 2020, just a year after purchase, indicating a lack of adherence to legal requirements. Additionally, the owner, "Babjan," was captured on traffic CCTV speaking on the phone while riding without a helmet, further compounding the vehicle's record as a habitual offender. This pattern of non-compliance raises questions about the oversight and responsibility of vehicle owners, especially when such vehicles are used in public settings. The revelation triggered a fierce backlash on social media, with users expressing disappointment and mocking the DyCM. Many highlighted the irony of this public figure, expected to uphold and promote traffic rules, flouting them. It was also reported by the observant X user that after the incident gained additional traction, the scooter's owner paid Rs. 1,000 towards the fines. The scooter ride by D K Shivakumar, intended as a publicity stunt to highlight infrastructure improvements, backfired by exposing the vehicle as a habitual traffic offender. With Rs. 19,500 in unpaid fines, lapsed insurance, and a history of violations, the incident has sparked a necessary conversation on accountability and leadership in road safety. As of August 6, there has been no direct official response from Shivakumar addressing the fines, but the incident has been mocked by various handles including Janata Dal (Secular) and BJP Karnataka. The latest update on the fines claim that all pending fines have been paid off. The Bengaluru Traffic Police has also taken cognisance of this incident through a post on X and had asked the Hebbal Traffic Police Station handle to look into the matter. However, that post has been deleted.
Indian Express
04-08-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Prajwal Revanna case: key evidence missing, court lauds Karnataka SIT's scientific probe that led to rape conviction
A crucial piece of evidence in the sexual assault case against former Janata Dal (Secular) MP Prajwal Revanna – an iPhone that was used to record videos of the crime against a domestic worker – was not recovered during the investigation. However, information obtained from Apple, combined with statements from the survivor and witnesses, besides scientific evidence gathered by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Karnataka Police together resulted in Prajwal's conviction. A special court for elected representatives on Saturday sentenced Revanna to life imprisonment for the rape of a domestic worker at his family's farmhouse, in the first of four cases of rape and sexual harassment that emerged after explicit videos recorded by the former MP himself emerged in public last year. Prajwal, the grandson of former prime minister H D Deve Gowda and the son of the former Karnataka minister H D Revanna, was convicted of raping the woman while 'being in a position of control or dominance'. The special court has in its order termed the crime a 'grave offence' and one committed by a person with sophisticated means, while appreciating the stand of the victim and the SIT's efforts in establishing the evidence to prosecute Prajwal. 'The allegations which were levelled and also the nature of the materials which were required to be collected clearly indicates that it is a case of its own kind where explicit and obscene videos of several respectable women in society, involving the accused, went viral without the trace of original video/image…the task of the prosecution was Herculean in nature,' the special court judge noted in his 480-page verdict. One of the biggest hurdles in the investigation was proving that the videos of sexual assaults on the domestic worker and others were genuine and recorded by the former MP himself on an iPhone that is believed to have been destroyed after the videos emerged. The SIT proved that the videos were genuine using multiple techniques like video analysis, voice sample testing, superimposing of images of the assaults with images of the location of the assault, as well as forensic comparison of body parts of Prajwal with the images seen in the videos, apart from DNA matching of hair follicles and stains found on clothing of the victim found at the farmhouse. Besides convicting Prajwal to life imprisonment for rape, the special court also convicted him for destruction of evidence in the form of the original recordings on the iPhone. 'The prosecution has also proved the fact that the accused had recorded the act of forcible sexual intercourse in his mobile phone which could not be secured/seized and though the accused had feigned his ignorance of recording the incident or owning a mobile phone, certain suggestions were put forth during the course of cross-examination by the accused that he had owned an Apple iPhone and also the data collected from would justify the case of the prosecution,' the ruling stated. 'Since the mobile phone was in the custody of the accused, it was his bounden duty to produce the same and even for the sake of argument if it is contended that he had lost the same, it would have been different. But denial of possessing the same is falsified by the evidence which is obtained from company…,' the court observed. It further stated that since the device was not to be found, 'the submission of the prosecution that he had destroyed the mobile phone to screen the evidence is to be accepted and accordingly the prosecution has proved their case beyond reasonable doubt with respect to commission of offence under Sec 201 of IPC (destruction of evidence).' The special court also noted that 'the alleged incidents were captured and recorded by accused Prajwal Revanna in his mobile phone in order to pressurise the victim to accede to his request is also proved by the prosecution beyond reasonable doubt.' The special court referred to statements made by Karthik N – Prajwal's former car driver who allegedly accessed the MP's iPhone secretly – about his knowledge of the password '8055' (BOSS) and documents furnished by the Apple company to substantiate the fact that the video recordings were done on the then MP's phone. Referring to a reply provided by Apple to an SIT query, the court observed that the response 'when considered with suggestions put forth by the accused during the course of cross-examination of PW-10 Karthik that 8055 was not the password of his iPhone, the same would lead to draw an inference that the accused had admitted categorically of using iPhone at that point of time'. The court also noted that 'even in the absence of the original…the report of the FSL would indicate that the videos were not edited or morphed'. Specially mentioning the efforts of the SIT headed by B K Singh, Additional Director General of Police, Crime Investigation Department (CID), the court said that 'the SIT formed for investigation of the aforesaid case are to be appreciated for conducting and analysing the digital evidence with the help of forensic experts…'. The SIT adopted and utilised 'modern technology of scientific examination…to lend assurance to the evidence of the victim,' the court noted, adding that for the first time in Karnataka, 'the SIT had requested the Forensic Science Laboratory to superimpose the images of the environment of the room found in the videos with that of the images which were captured scientifically during the course of investigation and also to examine the image patterns, voice analysis in a scientific manner.'
Hans India
04-08-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar Highlights Unwavering Congress Commitment, Takes Veiled Swipe At Siddaramaiah
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has emphasized his unwavering commitment to the Congress party, marking 37 years of dedicated service while subtly drawing attention to the contrasting political journey of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who transitioned from the Janata Dal (Secular) to Congress. At 63 years old, Shivakumar highlighted his deep-rooted connection with the party, stating that he has matured alongside the Congress organization. His comments appear strategically timed amid ongoing speculation about potential power-sharing arrangements within the Karnataka government, subtly positioning himself as the more loyal party member compared to Siddaramaiah, who joined Congress in 2006 after his tenure with the Janata Parivar. The Deputy Chief Minister reflected on his political career, which spans eight consecutive terms in the state assembly, emphasizing that his allegiance has remained constant from his early political days. He stressed the importance of maintaining organizational roots, suggesting that abandoning one's foundational connections leads to fruitless outcomes. This philosophy appears to underscore his criticism of leaders who have switched political affiliations during their careers. Shivakumar credited his appointment as Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee chief to the trust placed in him by former Congress president Sonia Gandhi. He described his three-year tenure in this role as a period of complete dedication toward dismantling the BJP's governance in Karnataka, which he referred to as the "double engine" government. His efforts, he claimed, were instrumental in restoring Congress power in the state. The Deputy Chief Minister portrayed his contribution to the party's electoral victory as wholehearted, suggesting that his personal investment was crucial to bringing the current government to power. This assertion reinforces his claim to a significant role in Karnataka's political landscape and potentially strengthens any argument for greater responsibility or recognition within the state leadership structure. In addressing ongoing discussions about potential leadership changes, Shivakumar praised Sonia Gandhi's 2004 decision to decline the Prime Minister's position, describing it as an extraordinary political sacrifice that remains unparalleled in Indian politics. Without directly naming individuals, he observed that while some leaders are willing to share power, many others refuse to do so, even at the grassroots panchayat level. These remarks come at a crucial time when questions about a possible rotation of the chief ministerial position in Karnataka continue to generate political speculation. The comments suggest underlying tensions about power distribution within the state government and highlight the complex dynamics between the two senior Congress leaders in Karnataka. Shivakumar's emphasis on organizational loyalty and his implicit contrast with Siddaramaiah's political history appears to be a strategic positioning move. By highlighting his continuous association with Congress since his political inception, he distinguishes himself from colleagues who have changed party affiliations, potentially strengthening his claim to leadership positions within the state hierarchy. The Deputy Chief Minister's statements reflect broader themes of political loyalty, organizational commitment, and the significance of maintaining consistent party allegiance throughout one's career. His comments also underscore the ongoing internal dynamics within the Karnataka Congress unit, where questions of leadership succession and power-sharing arrangements continue to influence political discourse. As speculation about potential changes in Karnataka's leadership structure persists, Shivakumar's public assertions of loyalty and dedication serve to reinforce his position as a committed party member who has consistently supported Congress interests throughout his extensive political career. His subtle critique of party-switching behavior appears designed to highlight the value of unwavering organizational commitment in contemporary Indian politics.
The Hindu
03-08-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Rape and punishment: On the life sentencing of Prajwal Revanna
Powerful perpetrators are rarely made accountable for their actions, and in that backdrop, the conviction and life sentencing of Prajwal Revanna, former Janata Dal (Secular) Member of Parliament and grandson of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, for a heinous crime comes as a relief. This is the first of the four cases of rape and sexual harassment against the 34-year-old Gowda scion. The former Member of Parliament had raped a 48-year-old domestic worker twice at the family's homes in Hassan and Bengaluru in 2021, and recorded it on his mobile phone. In April 2024, ahead of the general election, explicit clips of his sexual misdemeanours were leaked through pen drives strewn across public places in Hassan, the Gowda home town. In the videos, Revanna's face is not visible, only the women's, a gross violation of their safety and privacy. The former help and other women came forward with their complaints but their agony was far from over. Using political muscle, and aided by his parents, former Minister H.D. Revanna and Bhavani Revanna, he did his best to arm twist the system, threatening a survivor, trying to stop her from testifying. But a Special Investigation Team (SIT) worked with alacrity and he was finally arrested in May 2024. The SIT filed the first charge sheet in August 2024. The video, where the domestic worker is seen pleading with Prajwal Revanna to spare her, DNA analysis and her testimony formed key evidence in the trial which began in May this year. The Special Court of Sessions to hear criminal cases against former and present Members of Parliament and MLAs pronounced the verdict on August 1. The speedy trial and conviction will give hope to other survivors battling for justice in sexual assault cases. The court convicted Revanna on all charges framed against him, including under Sections 376(2)(n) (repeated rape on the same woman), 506 (criminal intimidation), 201 (disappearance of evidence) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and 66E (violation of privacy) of the Information Technology Act, 2000. Section 376(2) of the IPC states that a person convicted under it 'shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than 10 years, but which may extend to imprisonment for life....' Often, even when multiple complaints are raised, leaders with political clout get away. The laws are in place. All that the government machinery needs to do is act swiftly and sensitively, and create a safe space so that survivors of sexual abuse can come forward without fear.
