Karnataka: Prajwal Revanna Returns to India, Arrested at Airport
Mass rape & sexual assault accused Karnataka MP Prajwal Revanna returne
Karnataka MP Prajwal Revanna has been arrested upon his return to India following multiple sexual assault allegations. This arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation against him.
The controversy began when one of Prajwal's female house-help staff filed a sexual assault complaint against him. Following this, over 2,900 videos of alleged sexual assaults involving Prajwal went viral. Subsequently, Prajwal fled to Germany, leading Interpol to issue a blue corner notice to locate him internationally.
On May 18, 2024, a special court issued an arrest warrant against Prajwal. His grandfather, former Prime Minister and JD(S) Chief HD Deve Gowda, publicly urged Prajwal to return to India and face the legal proceedings. Deve Gowda emphasized that neither he nor his family would interfere with the investigation and insisted that Prajwal should receive the harshest punishment if found guilty.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) took steps to revoke Prajwal's diplomatic passport to compel his return. Despite Prajwal's claims of innocence in a video statement, his anticipatory bail application was rejected by the special court on May 29, 2024.
The situation escalated with the 'Hassan Chalo' protest on May 30, 2024, where around 5,000 activists demanded Prajwal’s arrest and strict punishment. The protestors also called for action against those distributing Prajwal’s videos.
Upon landing in Bengaluru on May 31, 2024, Prajwal was immediately arrested by an all-women police team. His electronic devices were seized for forensic examination. Prajwal was then taken for medical tests and later to the CID office for questioning.
Prajwal's father, HD Revanna, was previously arrested for allegedly being involved in the kidnapping and sexual assault of a woman. Further investigations have implicated Prajwal’s mother, Bhavani Revanna, in the case. Bhavani is suspected of helping Prajwal in his alleged crimes and has been evading police since early May. Her anticipatory bail application was also rejected on May 31, 2024.
On June 3, 2024, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara confirmed that the SIT is actively searching for Bhavani Revanna. Additionally, the recent Lok Sabha election results saw Prajwal losing his seat in the Hassan constituency to Congress candidate Shreyas M Patel by 42,649 votes.
The investigation into Prajwal Revanna's alleged crimes continues, with the SIT committed to uncovering the truth. As the legal process unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the victims and holding those responsible accountable.
