HD Revanna’s domestic help alleges she was sexually abused in Basavanagudi house too

BENGALURU: A 47-year-old woman, who had filed a sexual harassment complaint against JD(S) MLA HD Revanna, and his son and Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna at Holenarsipura Town police station, was brought to the legislator’s house in Basavanagudi here for a mahazar (spot inspection) on Monday morning by the Special Investigation Team (SIT).
She had earlier told SIT officials that she was sexually harassed by Prajwal in this house also. Earlier on Saturday, the officials had conducted a mahazar at Revanna’s house in Holenarasipura.

According to sources, the woman was made to work for about 2-3 weeks in the Basavanagudi house. The woman had earlier said she worked with the household during 2019-22.
The SIT team reached the house along with the woman at 11am and concluded the inspection by 4.30pm. Starting from entering the house, they made a video-recording of the entire procedure. They also took a detailed statement from her. An officer typed the statement and read it out to her before taking her signature. A case was registered against Revanna and Prajwal at Holenarasipura Town police station on April 28 under IPC sections 354 A (sexual harassment), 354 (D) (stalking), 506 (criminal intimidation), and 509 (word, gesture, or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman).
Lawyer claims SIT not following procedures
Gopal, an advocate, came near Revanna’s house during the procedure and claimed he had been authorised by the MLA’s family to participate in the mahazar on their behalf. However, officials did not allow him inside the house. Gopal alleged the SIT was not following standard procedure.
“The family has authorised me because Revanna is in custody and Bhavani Revanna has undergone a surgery. I took part in the mahazar of two cases being investigated by the SIT in Holenarsipur on May 4. On the same day, they issued another notice asking me to take part in the mahazar in Basavanagudi on May 6. The officials called me Sunday and Monday morning, and asked me to be present during the mahazar. When I came here, they did not let me in. I’m authorised to open the door for police; if they seize any valuables from the house, they have to record it and take my signature,” he told media.
Accused in police custody
Sathish Babanna, accused number 2 in the kidnap case registered at KR Nagar police station, was taken into police custody for eight days. SIT officials arrested him on May 3.
Officials on Monday approached the court seeking 10-day police custody of Babanna on a body warrant as they needed to interrogate him.
The officials are going to take Babanna to the woman’s village from where he picked her up on his bike and later to to the farmhouse of Revanna’s personal assistant, Rajgopal, in Kalenahalli. The team is also going to question him about the role of Revanna and Bhavani, as the woman’s son had mentioned the latter’s name in the complaint.