Suspended JDS MP Prajwal Revanna Arrested for Sexual Abuse on Airport Arrival

In a significant development, JDS MP Prajwal Revanna was arrested by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing allegations of sexual abuse against him. The arrest occurred shortly after his arrival from Germany at the Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, past midnight on Friday. The 33-year-old parliamentarian, who had been abroad for a month following the emergence of the scandal, was immediately taken to the CID office for interrogation.

Revanna, who is also the grandson of JDS patriarch and former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, and a candidate from the Hassan Lok Sabha segment under the BJP-JDS alliance, faces multiple charges of sexual assault. To date, he has been booked in three cases of sexual abuse. His return was marked by heightened security at the airport, with a significant police presence ensuring his safe transfer to the SIT's custody.

The controversy surrounding Revanna intensified when he left for Germany on April 27, just a day after Hassan went to polls. In response to a request from the SIT through the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Interpol issued a Blue Corner Notice seeking information on his whereabouts. Furthermore, a Special Court for Elected Representatives issued an arrest warrant against him on May 18.

The Karnataka government, led by Congress, has called upon the Centre to revoke his diplomatic passport in light of the allegations. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has also issued a show-cause notice to Revanna, questioning why his diplomatic passport should not be cancelled as per the state government's request.

Revanna has refuted the allegations against him as baseless and claimed they are part of a political conspiracy. He admitted to experiencing depression due to the situation and filed an anticipatory bail plea at the Principal City and Sessions Court for Elected Representatives on May 29. The court has since issued a notice to the SIT to file objections and scheduled a hearing for Friday.

The scandal has sparked a political storm, with both the ruling Congress and opposition BJP-JDS alliance demanding thorough investigation. Explicit videos allegedly involving Revanna were circulated in Hassan ahead of the Lok Sabha polls on April 26, bringing the issue to public attention.

H.D. Deve Gowda has publicly admonished his grandson, urging him to return to India and face the ongoing probe. He emphasized that there would be no family interference in the investigation and asserted that if found guilty, Revanna should face stringent punishment under law. Similarly, H.D. Kumaraswamy, Revanna's uncle and former Chief Minister, has also appealed for his return to face legal proceedings. Following these allegations, JDS has suspended Prajwal Revanna from the party.

This case continues to unfold as legal proceedings against Revanna progress, highlighting issues of accountability and justice within India's political landscape.