Bengaluru, Karnataka:

After Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna, accused in the alleged obscene case, alleged conspiracy against him, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said on Monday that he was free to say anything but is bound to face the law.

“Prajwal Revanna may say whatever he wants, but eventually he will have to face the law once he lands,” DK Shivakumar told reporters at the KPCC office in Bengaluru on Monday.

On asked about Prajwal Revanna’s allegation that the alleged case against him was a conspiracy of the Congress party, DK Shivakumar said, “I don’t have much information on Prajwal Revanna’s video, but I came across it through the media. No matter what he says, he doesn’t have a choice but to present himself before the SIT for investigation. The law will take its course in this case.”

“Rahul Gandhi has spoken about Prajwal based on media reports, there is nothing wrong with it. Time will answer Prajwal’s allegation on Rahul Gandhi,” he added.

Prajwal Revanna, earlier in the day, released a self-made video in which he alleged political conspiracy behind the case and said that he will appear before the SIT on May 31.

The Hassan MP also claimed that he “went into depression” and “isolated” himself as he accused Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders of sparking a discussion on the issue as part of an alleged conspiracy.

Prajwal Revanna is facing a probe by a Special Investigative Team (SIT) constituted by the Karnataka government over allegations of sexual harassment and criminal intimidation following a complaint by a woman who worked in his household.

Prajwal Revanna’s video comes days after his grandfather and JDS patron HD Deve Gowda, issued a stern warning to return to India from abroad and face the law in the obscene video case.

“I have already said that he should be given the harshest punishment under the law if found guilty. I also cannot convince people that I was unaware of Prajwal’s activities. I cannot convince them that I have no desire to shield him. I cannot convince them that I am not aware of his movements and that I was not aware of his foreign trip. I believe in answering my conscience. I believe in God, and I know the almighty knows the truth,” the former PM said in a post on X on May 23.

“I will ensure that there will be no interference in the enquiry against him from me or my family members,” the former PM added.

According to the sources, the Ministry of External Affairs of India has received a letter from the Karnataka government for the cancellation of the diplomatic passport in respect of MP Prajwal Revanna. The request is being processed.

Siddaramaiah had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 1 and May 23 urging him to take action to cancel the diplomatic passport of the Hassan MP, who is said to have flown to Europe after being accused of sexually exploiting several women.

In his letter to the Prime Minister, Siddaramaiah said that it is shameful that Prajwal Revanna fled the country on April 27, 2024, to Germany using his diplomatic passport, shortly after news of his heinous actions emerged and just a few hours before the first FIR was filed against him.

Speaking on the Karnataka government’s request for cancellation of Prajwal Revanna’s diplomatic passport, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) received a request only on May 21 to impound Prajwal Revanna’s passport.

In an exclusive interview with ANI, S Jaishankar clarified the procedural aspects, saying, “To impound a passport is governed by an act called the Passport Act. We need a judicial court or a police request to do so. The MEA got this request from Karnataka only on May 21.”

Highlighting the adherence to legal procedures, S Jaishankar emphasised that the external affairs minister acted promptly upon receiving the request. “We immediately acted on it. On 23rd of May… we have to follow a certain procedure and the procedure is initiated,” he added.

However, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said that they did not get any written communication from the MEA in this matter.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

New Delhi:

Karnataka lawmaker Prajwal Revanna – who fled to Germany last month, shortly after horrific sex crimes allegations by women who said he forced them into sexual acts – released a statement Monday, claiming comments and “political drama” by opposition leaders, including Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, “drove me to depression and I was pushed into isolation”. 

“I apologise to my parents… I was in depression. I will come (back to India) and appear before the SIT (a special investigative team set up by the state government) on May 31 (Friday),” Revanna said.

“I will cooperate to the best of my abilities and provide all answers. I have full faith in the legal system (and) I will come out of these false cases against me. I have the blessings of God and my family…”

On May 1, four days after he fled the country, Revanna posted a message on X. He said, “I am not in Bengaluru… I have communicated (to the police) through my lawyer. The truth will prevail soon.”

Revanna is a Janata Dal (Secular) leader and the grandson of party patriarch and ex-Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, and nephew of senior leader and ex-Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy.

He is also the sitting MP from Karnataka’s Hassan Lok Sabha seat, which he has been nominated to defend in the 2024 general election. The JDS is allied with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP.

Revanna’s message – his first public comment on charges against him – comes after a warning from Deve Gowda, who told his grandson to return home and surrender “or face your family’s anger”.

READ | “Surrender Or Face My Anger”: Deve Gowda To Grandson Revanna

Deve Gowda said he had warned Revanna to “not test my patience” and that it took him time to recover from the “shock and pain”. The former Prime Minister – targeted by the ruling Congress, former allies turned political rivals, over claims it was he sent Revanna abroad – stressed he had called for “the harshest punishment under the law” for his grandson “if (he is) found guilty…”

I have issued a warning to @iPrajwalRevanna to return immediately from wherever he is and subject himself to the legal process. He should not test my patience any further. pic.twitter.com/kCMuNJOvAo

— H D Deve Gowda (@H_D_Devegowda) May 23, 2024

Revanna’s uncle, HD Kumaraswamy, has also made an appeal.

READ | “If You Have Respect…”: HD Kumaraswamy’s Appeal To Revanna

The ex-Chief Minister last week also appealed to his nephew. “I have openly appealed to him… told him, ‘if you have respect for the party and Deve Gowda, come back…’ Cooperate with the probe. If you have not done anything prove it. If you have, then face the punishment,” Revanna was told.

READ | Deve Gowda Sent Grandson Abroad: Siddaramaiah On Ex-PM’s Letter

Revanna’s return home may be complicated by the fact the Ministry of External Affairs is set to cancel his diplomatic passport. A request to this effect has been made by the state government.

The centre is in the process of cancelling the travel document, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said. Mr Jaishankar also took the chance for a jibe against Karnataka’s ruling Congress, declaring the request to cancel the passport was made only on May 21, several days after the scandal broke.

NDTV Analysis | Systemic Failure In Not Forcing Revanna To Face Law

The Congress and the BJP have attacked each other over the Revanna case.

The former has pointed to the alliance between the BJP and the JDS to claim Prajwal Revanna is being shielded, while the latter has criticised the state government for delayed reactions.

Prajwal Revanna – who faces an arrest warrant from a MP/MLA court – has denied all charges.

New Delhi:

The Ministry of External Affairs has received a letter from the Karnataka government for the cancellation of the diplomatic passport of suspended Janata Dal Secular MP Prajwal Revanna, official sources said on Thursday.

The Karnataka government’s request to the Centre came after Prajwal Revanna, who is facing charges of multiple instances of sexually abusing women, fled the country using his diplomatic passport last month. 

“The MEA has received a letter from the Karnataka government for cancellation of diplomatic passport in respect of MP Prajwal Revanna. This is being processed,” official sources said.

ALSO READ | How Prajwal Revanna, Accused Of Sex Harassment, Left India Without A Visa

Prajwal Revanna, who is former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda’s grandson, is at the centre of a political storm after hundreds of explicit videos allegedly featuring him leaked late last month. The 33-year-old MP faces multiple cases of rape, sexual harassment, voyeurism and criminal intimidation.

Revanna, who is the NDA nominee for the Hassan Lok Sabha seat, reportedly fled to Germany on April 27, hours before the first case was filed against him.

Karnataka police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) is now probing the high-profile case and a lookout notice and a Blue Corner notice have been issued to track Revanna down.

In the wake of the allegations, Prajwal Revanna had said in a social media post on May 1, “As I am not in Bangalore to attend the enquiry, I have communicated to C.I.D Bangalore through my Advocate. The truth will prevail soon.”

ALSO READ | “Prajwal Revanna Abused Diplomatic Privileges To Flee”: Siddaramaiah To PM Modi

His father and Mr Deve Gowda’s son HD Revanna, a JDS MLA, is also accused in cases of molestation and kidnapping. He was arrested earlier this month and is now out on bail. 

The veteran leader faces a case, in which a man has alleged that he was involved in kidnapping his mother, who worked as a house help at his home for six years. The complainant has alleged that a video showing Prajwal Revanna sexually abusing his mother leaked recently and his mother went missing soon after. 

HD Revanna, however, has termed the case a “political conspiracy”.

New Delhi:

Given the public outcry and mass mobilisation that we have seen over, at least, some high profile cases of sexual assault on women, it needs to be asked if the reaction to the Prajwal Revanna sexual crimes, including rape, case has been muted, socially and politically.

Is it being seen more in the realm of a political exchange and less as what it should be – a case of multiple rapes and sexual assaults. Yes, no one is guilty till proven so in a court of law and politics is filled with wild allegations, but here there are videos and statements by victims against the JDS Hassan member of parliament and, in a bulldozer justice era, the least that needs to be ensured is he is questioned by authorities and faces due process.

A group of over 100 intellectuals in Karnataka wrote a petition to the Chief Minister seeking his immediate arrest. The authors listed a few demands – from providing a safe environment for the witnesses, seeking immediate arrest of the driver of Prajwal (who is believed to have approached some political leaders with the pen drive containing the horrific and sleazy Prajwal videos ), demanding cases to be booked against family member as accomplices and requesting interrogation of politicians, intelligence and police officials who may have colluded to help Prajwal leave the country before a case was registered on the 28th of April.

There are serious moral questions to the JDS on why it hasn’t forced Prajwal back or even take political action to force him back. It seems more interested in attacking the Congress for leaking the videos, who leaked the videos by itself is an important matter of investigations but the first focus is the getting their MP before the law. There are questions over the BJP trying to distance itself from the case and not aggressively forcing it’s ally the JDS to act on the case. Also, if the centre should be more aggressive in this case.  

There are also questions to the Congress which rules the State and investigators if they are treating this case as severely as they should. Or is the Congress looking at this with a post poll political calculus in mind.

This really needs rise above a Congress Vs JDS-BJP exchange or a Centre versus State issue. There are crucial questions over whether the investigators, prosecutors and courts have been aggressive enough in this case.

For instance, twenty days on we are still only at a blue-collar notice. There are questions over whether his passport ought to have been cancelled by now or if the prosecutors should have at least moved the court for an order to impound or cancel his passport or other stern actions to force him back. This is not just about procedural, legal action but also the optics and public pressure in the case. 

Given that Prajwal is not in India, the CBI becomes the nodal agency in sending requests to the interpol to have notices issued. From a pedestrian point of view, a blue corner notice is to say that there is a look out for a person, but a red corner notice is declaring him or her a proclaimed offender, technically making him a criminal wherever he or she is. There is no clarity on what steps have been taken to move towards such a notice.

When there are serious charges like rape involved, with punishment of over 7 years, there is no arrest warrant required. The accused could face direct arrest anywhere in India. Investigators say the process of collection of evidence is still in progress to build the case for a red corner notice. But there are multiple statements from victims that have been recorded before the magistrate under section 164 of the CRPC. In rape and sexual assault cases, even an uncorroborated statement by a victim has significant evidentiary value and in this case there is also alleged videographic evidence.

Certainly, all sides are beginning to seem like they lack the will to force Prajwal back to even merely face investigations.

Prajwal’s father H D Revanna was arrested in a case of abduction and spent six days in jail before being released on bail on Tuesday. He faces another case of molestation as well, where he has been granted interim bail and final order is expected on 24th. There are concerns as we move further away in time that the focus on the case, and hence the case itself, would only get weaker.

Meanwhile, the JDS has demanded a CBI probe into the case. Prajwal clearly seems to be biding time till the election results are out. While it shouldn’t matter who wins or loses, the fear is it will.

It is a dangerous precedent if a sitting MP is being allowed to dodge investigators in a case of rape and irrespective of the political mud-slinging, a clear, transparent and aggressive investigation is the least that needs to be ensured.

He doesn’t have to be vilified or portrayed as guilty till the due process is followed, but ensuring the due process is followed is a responsibility of the State, the Centre, the Congress, BJP, JDS, media and civil society.  

Bengaluru:

Karnataka Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara on Wednesday turned down former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy’s demand for a CBI probe into the sexual harassment case against JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna.

He said the state government’s CID is competent enough to investigate the case.

“Kumaraswamy had raised over 100 questions. I cannot answer all of them. He had asked for the CBI probe, which we will not do. The SIT is competent. I have said that we will get a proper investigation done,” the Home Minister said.

According to Mr Parameshwara, three people have been arrested so far in a case related to the kidnapping of a woman, who is a mother of three, in which Holenarasipura JD(S) MLA and Prajwal’s father H D Revanna is also an accused and presently in the jail serving the judicial custody.

Prajwal Revanna is the son of former Prime Minister and JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda. His son Prajwal, who is under investigation for multiple cases of sexual harassment of women, has reportedly fled the country and is absconding.

Regarding the progress in the investigation, the home minister said three people have been arrested, including Revanna and his aide Sathish Babanna.

He declined to share the details of the third person saying that disclosing the name would affect the investigation.

To a question whether there will be any investigation against those who leaked the videos, Parameshwara said, “We do not wish to hide anything. The probe will also cover the circulation of the pen drive.” “Kumaraswamy has alleged that policemen have distributed it. Which police distributed it and where are the aspects we have to look into? The SIT will decide whether to issue any notice to Kumaraswamy on his charges,” Mr Parameshwara explained.

He said the government trusts the SIT and will wait for its report to be submitted.

On Kumaraswamy’s demand to investigate Rahul Gandhi for his statement that 400 women were raped, Parameshwara said that it would be the decision of the SIT.

On not arresting Karthik Gowda, driver of Prajwal Revanna, who is believed to have had the pen drive containing explicit videos allegedly involving the MP and several women, Mr Parameshwara said there should be clear evidence to arrest someone.

“Until we receive evidence, we cannot arrest Karthik or Devaraje Gowda (BJP leader),” the minister said.

On giving protection to Karthik or Devaraje Gowda, Mr Parameshwara said that protection would be extended only to the women who were victims and nobody else. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Bengaluru:

Denying charges that Congress is politicising the alleged obscene video scandal involving Prajwal Revanna, the grandson of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has said that his government is simply “amplifying the voices of victims.”

Accused by the BJP of pursuing “appeasement politics” through Muslim reservation, Mr Siddaramaiah spoke to the news agency IANS ahead of phase three of the Lok Sabha elections that will see voting taking place in 14 constituencies in the state on May 7.

Here are the excerpts from the interview:

Is Congress politicising the Prajwal Revanna case ahead of the third phase of polls?

Mr Siddaramaiah: Our commitment to justice for the victims should not be misconstrued as politicising the issue. We are not levying baseless or false allegations, we are simply amplifying the voices of the women who suffered at the hands of Prajwal Revanna. It is the BJP that endorsed his candidature and facilitated his evasion of accountability. How can our efforts to expose their complicity be considered politicising the matter?

BJP has slammed Congress for indulging in appeasement politics. Your take on this?

Mr Siddaramaiah: We do not engage in appeasement politics. Our approach is centred around inclusive development and equitable distribution of resources. Every community in our country should benefit from our nation’s progress. Our schemes are designed for everyone, not just one or two specific communities. Regrettably, the BJP consistently resorts to this narrative during elections. They aim to divide people along caste and religious lines to garner votes by fostering fear. If they were to focus solely on development issues, they would not secure a single vote.

Questions have been raised over the way the Neha Hiremath murder case has been handled, and the state government being accused of hushing up matters.

Mr Siddaramaiah: We have not compromised in our handling of the Neha Hiremath murder case. We are closely monitoring the situation, and justice will be served. This was a tragic incident, and understandably, it is profoundly challenging for her parents to come to terms with their loss. The entire state shares their sorrow. Rest assured, the perpetrator will receive no immunity.

BJP has been asking for the reason for not projecting Rahul Gandhi as the PM candidate.

Mr Siddaramaiah: The Congress party is committed to a model of collective leadership, focusing on decisions that prioritise the nation’s best interests. Our leadership, alongside Members of Parliament and leaders from the INDIA bloc, will collaboratively determine our Prime Ministerial candidate at the appropriate time — when we are in the position to form a government.

Congress is in the line of fire for issues like inheritance tax, Muslim reservation, and redistribution of wealth. BJP has said that the party’s intentions are very dangerous.

Mr Siddaramaiah: All I can say is that the BJP leaders have mastered the art of misinformation. Our policies are designed with a focus on inclusivity and fairness, aiming to benefit every citizen irrespective of their religious or social background.

These allegations of favouritism are not only baseless but also a deliberate attempt to mislead the public. I urge the media to rigorously fact-check the BJP’s claims and present the truth to people. It’s essential for the electorate to be informed accurately so they can make decisions based on facts rather than manipulated narratives.

Home Minister Amit Shah has alleged that there is an internal fight taking place between you and Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar. Is it true?

Mr Siddaramaiah: It is quite amusing to hear such claims from BJP leaders. We are united in our efforts, as demonstrated by our efficient governance and the effectiveness of our campaign, which clearly reflect our unity. Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar and I frequently collaborate on various issues, developing numerous policies together. We stand united in addressing the concerns of Kannadigas.

Do you think the Mahalaxmi Scheme will work in favour of the Congress party in Karnataka?

Mr Siddaramaiah: Absolutely, the Mahalakshmi Scheme will significantly impact the electorate. People are currently struggling with joblessness and rising prices, and the Mahalakshmi Scheme will provide the much-needed relief. Our Gruha Lakshmi scheme has already proven beneficial in mitigating the adverse effects of the BJP’s failures. Observing the benefits enjoyed by the people of Karnataka under the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, there is now a nationwide demand for the implementation of the Mahalakshmi Scheme.

You have claimed that the Congress will win 20 seats in Karnataka this time.

Mr Siddaramaiah: I am extremely confident that Congress will secure a minimum of 20 seats in Karnataka. This expectation is not a mere rhetoric, it is grounded in extensive surveys and reflects the prevailing mood of the populace. Nearly every family in Karnataka has benefitted from our guarantee schemes and there is considerable anticipation for our NYAY schemes as well. We have provided honest and efficient governance, which the people clearly appreciate and wish to see replicated at the national level.

Why should people vote for the Congress party?

Mr Siddaramaiah: People should vote for the Congress party because we are committed to inclusive and sustainable development that benefits all sections of society. Our focus is on providing transparent governance, implementing progressive policies that ensure economic growth, and safeguarding social justice. We have demonstrated a strong track record of delivering on our promises, such as improving healthcare, education, and infrastructure, while also introducing welfare schemes that directly support the needs of the underprivileged and marginalised communities. By voting for Congress, citizens are choosing a future that prioritises equality, opportunity, and integrity in leadership.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)