2nd case registered against Prajwal Revanna in sex scandal row
Karnataka government's Special Investigation Team (SIT) has filed a rape case against Janata Dal (Secular)'s Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna. This is the second FIR against Revanna, who is also the grandson of JD(S) chief and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda. The FIR lodged against the MP includes charges under Indian Penal Code sections 376(2)(N), 506, 354A(1)(ii), 354(B), 354(C), as well as provisions of the IT Act.
Row over Prajwal's 'obscene' videos
These sections pertain to committing rape repeatedly, criminal intimidation, demand for sexual favor, assault or criminal force on a woman with the intention to disrobe her, and uploading nude or semi-nude pictures. Prajwal is the sole accused named in the FIR. This comes amid a row over purported videos of Prajwal which show him sexually abusing women. After the videos went viral, a case was registered against him and his father HD Revanna under relevant sections of the IPC.
Lookout notice issued against Prajwal
These videos came to light on April 25, just one day prior to polling in the Hassan constituency—from where Prajwal is seeking re-election as a candidate for the National Democratic Alliance, which is led by the Bharatiya Janata Party. Separately, on Thursday, the SIT issued a lookout circular against Prajwal. According to reports, Prajwal who is in Germany is likely to face detention upon reaching any immigration point in India, whether it be airports, seaports, or border checkposts.
Prajwal had diplomatic passport, no clearance issued by us: Centre
The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said that Prajwal traveled to Germany on a diplomatic passport. The ministry added that "no political clearance" was sought from or issued by the MEA regarding his travel to the country. This came a day after Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging the Centre to revoke Prajwal's diplomatic passport and facilitate his return through diplomatic channels.
Prajwal's departure from India amidst allegations
Prajwal reportedly left India on April 27, a day before the SIT was set up under the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to probe into sexual harassment allegations against the MP. He might have "fled" for Germany to evade arrest and is using his Diplomatic Pass for overseas travel, reports said. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Prajwal publicly addressed the "scandal" surrounding videos of him assaulting multiple women for the first time. In a post on X, he declared, "Truth will prevail soon."
