New Delhi, June 22
The Karnataka Police have registered an FIR against two individuals accused of blackmailing JD(S) MLC Suraj Revanna, the brother of former MP Prajwal Revanna, over a false sexual assault allegation.
Suraj Revanna (36) and his acquaintance Shivakumar filed a complaint against accused Chethan and his brother-in-law, alleging they demanded money in exchange for not defaming Revanna.
The accused, Chethan, initially befriended Shivakumar and requested his help in securing a job, citing financial distress. Shivakumar agreed to introduce Chethan to Revanna during the recent Lok Sabha election period.
On June 17, Chethan called Shivakumar, claiming he had visited Revanna's farmhouse the previous day to ask for a job but was turned down. Chethan then allegedly threatened to defame Revanna and his family, stating that he would file a police complaint alleging sexual molestation if his demand for Rs 5 crore was not met.
Chethan allegedly continued to blackmail Shivakumar, reducing his demand to Rs 3 crore and eventually Rs 2.5 crore. His brother-in-law also allegedly participated in the blackmail, sending messages from Chethan's phone.
On June 19, Chethan again called Shivakumar, threatening to defame Revanna's family if the money was not paid. Two days later, Shivakumar and Revanna decided to lodge a complaint against Chethan and his brother-in-law, leading to the registration of the FIR under sections 384 (extortion) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code.
The accused, Chethan, alleged that Suraj Revanna sexually assaulted him on June 16 at a farmhouse in Gannikada, Hassan district. Chethan claimed that Revanna's associates tried to blackmail and manipulate him, offering money and a job to cover up the incident.
Revanna was arrested by SIT officials upon his return from Germany on May 31.
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