The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has initiated the process to impound the passport of Janata Dal (Secular) MP Prajwal Revanna, who fled to Germany last month amid allegations of sexual assault.
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar confirmed that the MEA received a request from the Karnataka government to impound Revanna’s passport only on May 21. “We acted promptly upon receiving the request. We have to follow a certain procedure and the procedure is initiated,” he added.
Background of the Case
Prajwal Revanna, a Member of Parliament from the Hassan constituency in Karnataka, is facing serious allegations of sexual abuse. Thousands of videos allegedly showing Revanna sexually abusing women have circulated in the southern state of Karnataka, sparking outrage. The allegations against Revanna first came to light in June last year.
Revanna, who is also the grandson of JD-S chief and former premier HD Deve Gowda, is facing charges of criminal intimidation and sexual harassment after thousands of videos emerged purportedly showing him in sexual acts with multiple women.
Investigation Underway
A Special Investigative Team (SIT) constituted by the Karnataka government is currently investigating the allegations. The SIT is looking into allegations of sexual harassment and criminal intimidation following a complaint by a woman who worked in Revanna’s household.
Political Repercussions
The Janata Dal (Secular) suspended Revanna, who faces a battery of sexual abuse allegations. Despite the allegations, Revanna has vehemently denied the accusations, asserting that some of the explicit videos being circulated are doctored.
The Congress-led Karnataka government has formed an SIT to investigate the alleged sexual abuse of hundreds of women by the MP. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting the cancellation of the diplomatic passport of Mr. Prajwal.
If Revanna’s passport is cancelled, his stay abroad will be illegal, and he may face legal action by concerned authorities in the country he is staying. The MEA action came a day after Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah wrote a second letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him to take “prompt and necessary” actions to cancel Prajwal’s diplomatic passport.
As the investigation continues, the nation awaits further developments in this high-profile case.
