Obscene video case: NCW writes to DGP urging ‘immediate action, accountability’ within 3 days

NEW DELHI: The National Commission for Women (NCW) took suo motu action in connection with the alleged obscene video case involving Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna.

The NCW, in a statement on Thursday, said that recent developments regarding the case prompted it to take “swift and decisive action. The NCW has also written to the state DG&IGP, urging “immediate action and accountability” in connection with the case within three days.

“The National Commission for Women (NCW) stands firm in its condemnation of any form of violence or sexual abuse perpetrated against women. Recent developments surrounding the Prajjawal Revanna case have prompted the NCW to take swift and decisive action”, the statement said.

“In response to the distressing reports circulating in the media, the NCW initiated suo motu action, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of women. A letter was promptly dispatched to the Director General of Police (DGP), urging immediate action and accountability within a stringent timeline of three days”, it added.

The NCW also lauded the inclusion of female officers in the investigation team, emphasising that the conduct of the probe ensures “sensitivity and empathy.”

“The timely submission of the Action Taken Report by the concerned authorities revealed several significant findings. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) committee has been established to probe the matter thoroughly. Notably, there is a commendable presence of female officers entrusted with conducting investigations, ensuring sensitivity and empathy in handling such cases”, it said.

The statement further clarified that there are no complaints registered with the NCW in connection with the case. “The report indicates the registration of two cases based on complaints of sexual abuse by the victims, alongside an additional complaint filed for abduction by a relative. However, no victim has come forward to register a complaint with NCW in this case”, it said.

“One woman complainant came to the commission to register a complaint against three individuals dressed in civil uniform, allegedly introducing themselves as Karnataka Police officials and forcing her to give a false complaint in this case. She stated that she is being called by random phone numbers, threatening her to complaint. It has come to light that this complainant was forced by a group of individuals to file a complaint, under the threat of potential harassment and false implications. The victim has sought protection for her family’s welfare, underscoring the seriousness of the situation”, the statement mentioned.

“In a separate development, it has been noted that the 700 women who submitted online complaints are affiliated with a social activist group and have no direct involvement or association with the primary complainant in the case. Nevertheless, the NCW remains committed to thoroughly investigating their concerns and maintaining ongoing communication with the Karnataka Police authorities”, it added.

Prajwal Revanna, the suspended Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) leader, is the incumbent MP from the Hassan constituency. He is seeking re-election as an NDA candidate from the same seat. Polling on the seat was completed on April 26.

Prajwal Revanna and his father H D Revanna, are facing a probe by a Special Investigative Team (SIT), constituted by the Karnataka government, over allegations of sexual harassment and criminal intimidation following a complaint by a woman who worked in their household.

HD Revanna has been sent to judicial custody until May 14 in a kidnapping case linked to the “obscene video case,” while Prajwal Revanna is in another country. He was arrested by the special investigation team (SIT) on May 4 in connection with an alleged kidnapping case registered against him at KR Nagar police station in Mysuru district. (ANI)