Bengaluru: Home Minister G. Parameshwara stated on Sunday that the arrest of Janata Dal (Secular) MLC Suraj Revanna, accused of sexually assaulting a male party worker, was based on substantial evidence, dismissing allegations of a “conspiracy” or “political motive.”
“There is no conspiracy at play here. A complaint was filed, prompting the summoning of Suraj Revanna. Following the investigation, the police found credible evidence to support the claims. When an FIR is registered, the police evaluate the evidence, and in this case, they deemed it sufficient to take him into custody. I see no conspiracy or political motivation in this,” Parameshwara emphasized.
On Saturday evening, a case was registered against Suraj Revanna under Sections 377 (unnatural offenses), 342 (wrongful confinement), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at the Holenarasipura police station in Hassan district. The complaint alleges that the MLC sexually assaulted the party worker at his farmhouse on June 16.
The Karnataka Police have since transferred the case to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation.
In a counter-complaint, an FIR was registered against the JD(S) worker and his brother-in-law by Suraj Revanna’s Personal Assistant. This FIR accuses them of threatening and blackmailing the MLC with false allegations of sexual assault.
Additionally, Dr. Parameshwara addressed the issue of postponing the NEET-PG exam, advocating for state-level exam administration.
“From the beginning, educationists have opposed NEET-PG. Karnataka, which pioneered the CET, managed it smoothly and without problems. Unfortunately, NEET has faced issues like paper leaks, valuation errors, data compilation problems, and counseling difficulties, jeopardizing the futures of many students. I believe states should be allowed to conduct exams as before, allowing students to choose their preferred institutions within the state,” Parameshwara stated.