Prajwal Revanna, the suspended JD(S) MP embroiled in multiple sexual abuse allegations, was arrested on Friday upon his return from Germany. His arrest comes a month after explicit videos purportedly depicting his alleged actions surfaced in Karnataka’s Hassan district.
Revanna, grandson of JD(S) supremo and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, landed in India shortly after midnight from Munich. Upon arrival, he was immediately apprehended by an all-woman police team from the Special Investigation Team (SIT) tasked with investigating the allegations. The team escorted him to the CID office for interrogation.
Facing serious charges of sexually abusing several women, including allegations of rape, Revanna had evaded summons by staying out of the country. Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara confirmed that Revanna’s arrest followed due legal process. The SIT had issued an arrest warrant and upon his return, the warrant was executed without delay.
Revanna’s lawyer, Arun G, stated that his client was fully cooperating with the investigation and cautioned against any media trial, urging the public and media to allow the legal process to proceed without prejudice.
The allegations against Revanna first surfaced in April, with the initial complaint filed at the Holenarasipura Town police station in Hassan. In this case, a 47-year-old former maid accused Revanna of sexual harassment, naming him as the second accused while his father, H D Revanna, is listed as the first accused.
Revanna’s political career has taken a hit due to these allegations. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a show-cause notice regarding the potential cancellation of his diplomatic passport. JD(S) has also suspended Revanna from the party.
Both HD Deve Gowda and former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy have publicly urged Revanna to return to India and face the allegations. Gowda has said that there will be no interference from the family in the investigation and has insisted that Revanna should receive the harshest punishment if found guilty.
The SIT deployed an all-woman police team to arrest Revanna. This decision was intended to send a message that the law would hold him accountable for exploiting his position of power. The team, led by IPS officers Suman D Pennekar and Seema Latkar, ensured Revanna was taken into custody with dignity and transported to the CID office.
Revanna is currently undergoing a medical examination, including a potential potency test, to further the investigation. The SIT continues to encourage any other potential victims to come forward and file complaints, assuring them of protection and support.
