MEA Processing Karnataka Government’s Request To Cancel Prajwal Revanna’s Diplomatic Passport
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is reportedly processing a request from Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah seeking a cancellation of the diplomatic passport of absconding Hassan MP and Janata Dal (Secular) leader and NDA candidate Prajwal Revanna to ensure his return to India so that he could face the sexual assault trial.
In a letter dated May 22, Siddaramaiah had once again written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to immediately cancel Revanna’s diplomatic passport.
The sitting MP from Hassan constituency and grandson of JD(S) founder and former PM HD Deve Gowda fled for Germany shortly before a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was announced by the state government to investigate the sexual abuse case.
Sensing the impending investigation and arrest, Revanna fled the country on April 27 and has been travelling abroad using his diplomatic passport. Siddaramaiah stated that Revanna “has abused his diplomatic privileges to flee the country and to escape criminal proceedings.”
Following videos of numerous women alleging sexual abuse by the now suspended JD(S) leader surfaced shortly after the first phase of Lok Sabha elections (April 26), and an arrest warrant was issued against Revanna based on an application by the Special Investigation Team (SIT).
The state CM also emphasised, “It is a matter of serious concern that the accused Mr. Prajwal Revanna, has managed to remain in hiding to this day despite the issue of a Look Out Circular, a Blue Corner Notice and two notices by the Investigating Officer under section 41A CrPC.”
The Karnataka government had previously written a letter on May 1, requesting the same to PM Modi and the MEA so the accused could face “investigation and trial as per the law of land.” However, the state government did not receive any response from the centre.
I have written to Hon”ble PM Shri @narendramodi requesting the cancellation of the diplomatic passport of the accused, Mr. Prajwal Revanna. Prompt and concerted actions are needed to secure his return to India for facing the law. pic.twitter.com/mtNU9FrXr6
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 23, 2024
Meanwhile, Revanna’s father and JD(S) MLA HD Revanna have also been accused of molestation and kidnapping. On May 20, he was granted conditional bail. Additionally, BJP leader Devaraje Gowda, who contested against HD Revanna in the state assembly elections (2023), was arrested on May 10 in a sexual assault case as well. Notably, Gowda flagged Revanna’s sexual misconduct case to Home Minister Amit Shah on December 8, 2023.
