Police in Karnataka’s Hassan district have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against two individuals accused of attempting to blackmail JD(S) MLC Suraj Revanna over a fabricated sexual assault allegation.
According to the FIR, Suraj Revanna (36) and his associate Shivakumar filed a complaint against Chethan and his brother-in-law, alleging that they demanded money to refrain from defaming Revanna publicly.
The incident unfolded when Chethan, claiming financial distress, sought Shivakumar’s help in securing a job. Shivakumar introduced Chethan to Revanna during the recent Lok Sabha election period. However, on June 17, Chethan allegedly threatened to defame Revanna and his family unless he was paid Rs 5 crore. He claimed to have visited Revanna’s farmhouse, where he was denied a job and subsequently threatened to file a false police complaint of sexual molestation.
Subsequently, Chethan reduced his demand to Rs 2.5 crore after continuous blackmailing and threats through messages purportedly sent by his brother-in-law. Faced with escalating threats, Shivakumar and Revanna decided to file an FIR on June 21 under sections 384 (extortion) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code.
In a twist, Chethan alleged that Suraj Revanna sexually assaulted him on June 16 at a farmhouse in Gannikada, Hassan district. He claimed that Revanna’s associates attempted to silence him with offers of money and a job to cover up the incident.
Initially denied help at the local police station, Chethan filed his complaint at the DG office in Bengaluru.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi commented on the ongoing investigation, asserting that anyone found guilty would face legal consequences.
This development follows the arrest of former JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna on charges of rape and sexual abuse, highlighting heightened scrutiny over sexual assault cases involving political figures in Karnataka.
