MEA processing request to revoke Prajwal Revanna's diplomatic passport: Report
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is processing a request from the Karnataka government to cancel the diplomatic passport of MP Prajwal Revanna, the suspended Janata Dal (Secular) leader who faces allegations of mass sexual abuse and is currently in Germany. The request was formally received by the MEA on Tuesday. The process is being carried out under the Passports Act of 1967 and relevant regulations. The duration of the process remains unclear.
Revanna faces serious allegations abroad
On May 2, the MEA confirmed that he traveled to Germany using his diplomatic passport but clarified they had no role in facilitating his visa. Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said "passports can only be revoked on the directions of a court" as per the Passports Act. Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara announced on Tuesday that the state government had urged the Centre to cancel Revanna's passport.
Karnataka government urges Centre to cancel Revanna's passport
The 33-year-old grandson of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda—who recently contested the Lok Sabha elections from Hassan—faces charges of criminal intimidation, sexual harassment, and stalking after thousands of videos surfaced showing him in sexual acts with multiple women. The Special Investigation Team probing the case requested the external affairs ministry to cancel his diplomatic passport after a Special Court in Bengaluru issued an arrest warrant on April 28 in a rape case filed by a former domestic help.
Arrest warrant issued for Revanna in connection with rape case
Earlier, the SIT issued look out circulars, while Interpol issued a "Blue Corner Notice" seeking information on the whereabouts of the MP in response to a request by the SIT. The external affairs ministry had also said holders of diplomatic passports don't require a visa to travel to Germany. "No political clearance was either sought from or issued by the ministry...in respect of the travel of the said MP to Germany...No visa note was issued either," spokesperson Jaiswal said.
