Prajwal Revanna was arrested at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport just after midnight, upon returning from Germany. The Janata Dal-Secular (JDS) leader, who flew back on Lufthansa flight LH0764, was taken into custody by a special police team investigating sex crimes allegations against him. Revanna had previously canceled two return flights amidst these allegations.
Earlier, a special court in Bengaluru had rejected his anticipatory bail request. The police also searched his home in Hassan and seized incriminating material. In a video statement released on X, Revanna apologized to his parents and expressed his intention to cooperate with the investigation.
His grandfather who is also the JDS patriarch, HD Deve Gowda, advised him before he was taken into custody. Moreover, similar warnings were given by his uncle, the ex Prime Minister named HD Kumaraswamy. Revanna is a sitting MP from Hassan and won the seat in 2019 with a promise that she would contest for it again in 2024 but surprisingly had an endorsement from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Nevertheless, the BJP has cut all ties with Revanna because of the inquiry.
The case has its roots in allegations that surfaced last month, with women accusing Revanna of forcing them into sexual acts that were filmed. On April 27, six days after the allegations came to light, Revanna left for Munich on his diplomatic passport. The ruling Congress formed a special police team to investigate, and the first case was filed a week later.
Also Read: Karnataka MP Prajwal Revanna Caught In Sex Scandal: Allegations Against Father And Son
A police case was also filed against his father, HD Revanna, for allegedly kidnapping a woman who claimed she had been raped by both men. HD Revanna was granted bail in the kidnapping case on May 14 and in the sexual assault case last week.
The Congress and the BJP have disagreed on how to handle Revanna’s diplomatic passport.Chief Minister Siddaramaiah wants it revoked. The External Affairs Ministry says that Revanna has already been given a warning letter and has up to 10 days to answer to it. On May 7, Interpol raised a Blue Corner notice while Revanna’s arrest warrant followed on May 18.
Three cases have been filed against Prajwal Revanna. One involves a 47-year-old former maid alleging sexual assault and exploitation. Another case, filed on May 1, involves a 44-year-old woman who claims Revanna raped her multiple times, including at gunpoint. The third case, filed on May 3, involves a 60-year-old woman accusing Revanna of rape. Revanna has denied all charges, alleging a conspiracy by his rivals.
