Karnataka sex tapes: Fearing rape charge, JD(S) leader H D Revanna moves court for pre-arrest bail

BENGALURU: Prajwal's father, H D Revanna, who was a minister in the previous JD(S)-BJP and JD(S)-Congress govts, moved a special court for elected representatives seeking anticipatory bail in the sexual harassment case filed by his former domestic help. When the court asked Revanna's attorney why he was not approaching the trial court as the offences are bailable, the latter pointed out the SIT was invoking IPC Sec 376 against him based on the statement of another woman.The court adjourned the bail plea to Friday. Sec 376 (rape) is a cognisable and non-bailable offence entailing over 10 years in jail.
The first woman who lodged the complaint against Prajwal and his father worked as their domestic help. The second woman, who allegedly figured in one of the Prajwal's videos, appeared before the 32nd additional chief metropolitan magistrate in Bengaluru and recorded her statement under CrPC Sec 164 (statement recorded by a magistrate).
The noose around Prajwal and his father HD Revanna will tighten as they were earlier charged with bailable offences under IPC Sections 354A (sexual harassment), 354D (stalking), 506 (criminal intimidation) and 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman). Home minister G Parameshwara alleged Prajwal Revanna, against whom the SIT is set to invoke rape charges, could leave the country only because of the diplomatic passport issued by the Centre.