The Karnataka High Court granted anticipatory bail to Bhavani Revanna on Tuesday in a kidnapping case involving one of the victims of her son Prajwal Revanna’s alleged sexual assaults. Prajwal Revanna, a former JD(S) MP, faces multiple accusations of sexual abuse currently under investigation by the Special Investigation Team (SIT).
The court underscored that Bhavani had already cooperated by answering 85 questions during the investigation. It deemed unfair the claim that she was uncooperative with the SIT, which had sought her custody following her failure to appear for questioning. The incident pertains to the alleged kidnapping of a house-help in K R Nagar, Mysuru district.
Justice Dixit Stresses on Fair Trials & Women’s Role
While granting the anticipatory bail, Justice Krishna S Dixit emphasized the need to avoid media trials and underscored the significance of refraining from unnecessary arrests of women, recognizing their pivotal role in families. The judge also highlighted that the allegations of non-cooperation were unconvincing given Bhavani’s extensive responses during interrogation.
The Court dismissed the SIT’s contention that she had provided misleading answers.
Earlier, on June 7, the court had granted interim anticipatory bail to Bhavani with specific conditions barring her entry into Mysuru and Hassan districts, which was subsequently extended on June 14. Additionally, the Court permitted the SIT to transport her to Hassan and Mysuru districts for their investigation.
Accusations against Revannas
Bhavani stands accused of attempting to dissuade a woman, allegedly sexually assaulted by Prajwal, from filing a complaint. Prajwal Revanna is presently in SIT custody for purportedly sexually abusing multiple women and recording the assaults on video.
The sexual abuse cases came to light after pen-drives containing explicit videos allegedly involving Prajwal were reportedly circulated in Hassan ahead of the Lok Sabha polls on April 26.
Prajwal Revanna was arrested by SIT officials shortly after his arrival at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport from Germany on May 31. He had departed for Germany on April 27, a day following the Hassan polls.
A ‘Blue Corner Notice‘ was issued by Interpol to seek information on his whereabouts, as requested by the SIT through the Central Bureau of Investigation.
