Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna, accused in a sex scandal, has announced he will return to India and appear before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on May 31. Revanna made this declaration in a video statement from an undisclosed location, expressing his intent to cooperate with the investigation. In the video, Revanna claimed that the charges against him are part of a political conspiracy orchestrated by his adversaries. He stated that he would fight these allegations legally and prove his innocence.
"I will personally, on Friday, May 31 at 10 am, come before the SIT and will cooperate with the investigation and will respond to it (charges). I have faith in court and I am confident I will come out of false cases through court," Pajwal said.
"Let God's, people's and family's blessing be on me. I will surely come before SIT on May 31, Friday. After coming, I will try to put an end to all this. Keep faith in me," he added.
Background and legal actions
Prajwal Revanna faces multiple charges of sexual abuse. He reportedly fled to Germany on April 27, a day after voting in Hassan, and has been evading authorities since.
Interpol and arrest warrant
Interpol has issued a Blue Corner Notice seeking information on Revanna’s whereabouts, following a request from the SIT through the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Additionally, a special court for elected representatives issued an arrest warrant against him on May 18, based on an application from the SIT.
Promises to cooperate with investigation
Suspended JD (S) MP Prajwal Revanna, who is facing multiple charges of sexual abuse, has announced his intention to appear before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on May 31. In a video statement, Revanna claimed the allegations were false and part of a political conspiracy, adding that he had gone into depression.
Claims of political conspiracy
Revanna asserted that the charges against him were politically motivated and that he had faith in the judiciary to clear his name. He apologized to his family and supporters for his absence, explaining that he had been out of the country since April 27, a day after the polls in Hassan.
Legal and political reactions
The announcement was welcomed by Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara, who expressed hope that Revanna's cooperation would help the investigation. BJP leader R Ashoka called for a fair probe, emphasising that no one is above the law.
Background of the case
Revanna, the grandson of JD (S) patriarch H D Deve Gowda, allegedly left for Germany amidst allegations of sexual abuse. A Blue Corner Notice was issued by Interpol following a request from the SIT via the CBI. The Special Court for Elected Representatives issued an arrest warrant against Revanna on May 18.
Family's stance
Deve Gowda recently urged Revanna to return and face the investigation, stating that there would be no interference from the family and that Revanna should be punished if found guilty. The scandal has intensified political tensions, with demands for the case to be handed over to the CBI.
Ongoing investigation
The SIT is probing the case, which came to light after explicit videos allegedly involving Revanna were circulated in Hassan. The Ministry of External Affairs has issued a show-cause notice regarding the potential cancellation of Revanna's diplomatic passport. The outcome of the investigation is eagerly awaited by all parties involved.