Shivamogga, 29 April 

JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy on Monday said there is no question of defending his nephew and Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna over sexual abuse allegations against him, and the party will take "merciless action" if Special Investigation Team’s probe proves the charges.

Prajwal is BJP-JD(S) alliance's candidate from Hassan which went to the polls on Friday.

Former chief minister Kumaraswamy, who is also the State JD(S) chief, strongly objected to the names of his father and former prime minister HD Deve Gowda, among other family members, being drawn into the controversy. “Whoever has committed the wrong has to bow down as per the law of the land," Kumaraswamy said. "I want to ask Congress leaders, why bring family into it? Discuss about the individual. An individual and his deeds are in question here, not the family...why bring the family's name, Deve Gowda's name or Kumaraswamy's name?" he added.

The 33-year-old Prajwal Revanna is the son of HD Revanna, former prime minister and JD(S) patriarch Gowda's elder son who is an MLA and former minister. 

Several video clips allegedly involving Prajwal sexually abusing hundreds of women had started making the rounds in Hassan in recent days. The government has constituted an SIT to investigate the alleged sexual abuse of hundreds of women by the MP.

He said, "An FIR has been registered, the inquiry report has to come. Let the SIT inquiry report come out, we don't have any objections. There is no question of influencing anyone. Let the facts come out. Action should be taken against those involved. That is my stand and that of my party," he added.

Police have information that Prajwal has left the country, according to a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office, which announced the SIT probe. About Prajwal's whereabouts, Kumaraswamy said, "What should I say, if you ask me? Will he ask me and go anywhere...They, the government will take action."

To a question whether he had any prior information about what was happening, he said, "Where did we know about the matter? They (Revanna family) are separate. If it had come to our notice we could have taken action and stopped this embarrassment from happening. This matter is about an individual's background. Can we watch where he goes or comes every day? Is it in our hands?"

News reports, however, said BJP State Chief BY Vijayendra was made aware of the allegations against Prajwal when there were talks that an alliance between BJP and JD(S) was to be formed ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. 

On whether there is a political conspiracy behind the video clips leak, the JD(S) State Chief said, "That is also there. It is being said the pen drive (containing video clips) has been circulated. Some experts are behind it, let it come out."

Stating that the development will have no impact on the results, Kumaraswamy said the NDA candidate will win in Hassan and there is no doubt about it.  —PTI/ANI