'Surrender or face my anger': Deve Gowda's warning to grandson
Former Prime Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) chief, HD Deve Gowda, has issued a stern warning to his grandson, Prajwal Revanna. Revanna is facing charges of sexual abuse, including rape, sexual assault, disrobing women and forcibly video-graphing sexual acts. In a public letter, Gowda expressed his shock over the accusations against his grandson and demanded that, if found guilty, he be given the harshest punishment under the law.
Why does this story matter?
The sexual allegations against Revanna first surfaced last June. However, he obtained a court order to stop the media from reporting what he characterized as "morphed videos." Nearly a year later, thousands of pen drives containing videos of the alleged assault were distributed, just days before the Hassan Lok Sabha election. The clips were reportedly shot by Prajwal himself and showed the faces of the women he allegedly abused. As investigation into the case was underway, he fled to Germany.
Family and party reactions to Revanna's allegations
"It took me some time to recover from the shock and pain he has inflicted on me, my entire family, my colleagues, friends and party workers. I have already said that he should be given the harshest punishment under the law if found guilty," Gowda wrote. This sentiment was echoed by Gowda's son and former Karnataka Chief Minister, HD Kumaraswamy, who has also been accused of kidnapping and molestation. He is currently out on bail in a sexual assault case.
Check our Gowda's letter here
This is not an appeal, writes Gowda
Gowda further added that at this juncture, all he can do is issue a severe warning to Revanna and ask him to return from wherever he is and surrender to the police. "This is not an appeal that I am making, it is a warning that I am issuing. If he does not heed to this warning, he will have to face my anger and anger of all his family members," Gowda's letter read.
Legal actions and ultimatum issued to Revanna
The Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is investigating the case, has already issued multiple lookout notices against Revanna. On Thursday, the Karnataka government also wrote to the Ministry of External Affairs, requesting that his diplomatic passport be cancelled due to an arrest warrant. Prior to this, Interpol issued a Blue Corner Notice at the request of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and an arrest warrant from a Special Court is currently active against Revanna.
