Prajwal Revanna, the Janata Dal (Secular) leader who has been suspended and accused of sexually abusing women in explicit videos, was taken into custody at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport and subsequently interrogated by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). The SIT, established by the Congress-led Karnataka government, is responsible for investigating the numerous sexually explicit videos allegedly involving Prajwal Revanna. It has been reported that the SIT is considering subjecting the politician to a potency test. Prajwal Revanna, who is 33 years old and serves as the MP for Hassan, had recently returned from Germany and was taken to the CID office for questioning.
Last month, Prajwal Revanna had traveled abroad shortly after a sexual harassment complaint was filed against him by his former domestic help. This complaint emerged just days after the circulation of the explicit videos in Karnataka, which was in the midst of an election campaign.
Prajwal Revanna is the grandson of former prime minister HD Deve Gowda and the nephew of former Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy. His father, HD Revanna, was arrested earlier this month on charges of kidnapping a woman who allegedly appeared in one of his son’s videos. HD Revanna is currently out on bail.
Today, a special court in Karnataka will hear the anticipatory bail pleas of Prajwal Revanna and his mother Bhavani Revanna. Prajwal is facing accusations in three sexual abuse cases, while his mother is seeking bail in the kidnapping case. Although Revanna’s mother is not an accused in the case, the SIT may investigate her role, according to news reports.
The Central Bureau of Investigation has issued a Blue Corner Notice to gather information about Prajwal Revanna’s whereabouts.
While Revanna’s family has not openly supported him, HD Kumaraswamy recently blamed deputy CM DK Shivakumar for the circulation of the videos. HD Deve Gowda has instructed Prajwal Revanna to return to India and cooperate with the investigation into the allegations. He emphasized that his family would not interfere in the inquiry and stated that if his grandson is found guilty, he should receive the harshest punishment.
Arun G, the attorney representing the suspended JD(S) leader, stated that he arrived in Bengaluru to offer his full cooperation to the SIT investigating the accusations. He further appealed to the public not to engage in a trial by media.