Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Mar 18:A police complaint has been lodged against H M Revanna, chairman of the Karnataka State Guarantee Schemes Implementation Committee and a close aide of chief minister Siddaramaiah, by Nandini Nagaraj, a Dalit Congress worker. She has accused Revanna of assault and issuing threats to her life, raising concerns over the safety of women in the state.

Nandini, who filed the complaint at High Grounds police station, alleged that Revanna physically assaulted her at Kumara Krupa Guest House, which is located near the chief minister’s residence. She questioned the Congress government on its commitment to women’s security.

Allegations against Revanna

According to Nandini, Revanna pushed her away when she confronted him over a derogatory remark he had allegedly made about her in November last year. She claimed to have a phone recording of the earlier incident but had refrained from taking action due to party pressure. However, when she encountered Revanna at the guest house, she alleged that he verbally abused her, referred to her caste, grabbed her neck, and attempted to pull her away.

She further accused senior Congress leader V S Ugrappa, who was present during the altercation, of remaining silent instead of intervening.

Complaint and police action

Nandini provided video evidence to the police, in which Revanna is reportedly seen pushing her away. She also claimed that despite her fractured finger, the police initially delayed filing her complaint, registering only a Non-Cognizable Report (NCR) instead of an FIR.

In the footage, Nandini is heard warning Revanna that she would escalate the matter to Rahul Gandhi and share the video with him. Revanna is seen instructing her to leave the premises.

Revanna’s response

Denying the allegations, Revanna claimed that Nandini often misuses Rahul Gandhi’s name and creates disturbances. He further accused her of demanding Rs 1 lakh via PhonePe from an officer known to him.

“She is making baseless allegations against me. I did push her while she was recording the video, but I have never misbehaved with a woman in my 40-year political career. If I am guilty, let the party take action against me,” Revanna stated.

He also announced his intention to file a complaint with the AICC regarding Nandini’s alleged involvement in financial dealings related to transfers.

Political repercussions

The controversy, involving a senior Congress functionary, is expected to create ripples in the ongoing Assembly session. With the police initiating an investigation into the matter, further developments are awaited.