‘Efforts on to bring him back’: Karnataka govt on Prajwal Revanna, 21 days after his escape

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, May 17, 2024: The Karnataka government was making all efforts to nab Janata Dal (Secular) MP Prajwal Revanna, Home Minister G Parameshwara said on Friday.

“The procedure to bring him back is on. Till we secure him and take action as per law, our efforts will continue. We will neither slow down nor stop our efforts,” Parameshwara said, responding to media queries.

 

Prajwal is an accused in multiple cases of alleged sexual assault being investigated by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) in Karnataka. The Hassan MP left India hours after polling in Karnataka on April 26 and remains at large. Videos of alleged sexual assault shot by the MP himself were shared through online platforms from April 21, causing major embarrassment for the BJP-JD(S) coalition in the state.

After the government formed the SIT, Prajwal had sought seven days to appear before it on May 2. However, he did not turn up for questioning. On May 7, Interpol issued a blue corner notice against Prajwal that allows agencies to collect information about a person’s location and activities for a criminal investigation.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also wrote to the Union government to cancel his diplomatic passport and take measures to ensure Prajwal’s return by making use of diplomatic and police channels.

Prajwal is currently said to be holed up in Germany. Twice over the last 21 days, speculations were rife about his return to India. In the first instance, he was expected to return soon after the blue corner notice was issued against him. On May 14, images of a business class ticket purportedly booked by the MP from Munich to Bengaluru had raised expectations of his return.

The SIT is currently investigating four cases related to alleged sexual assault by Prajwal amidst reports that many victims were not coming forward to register complaints. In the course of the probe, the SIT arrested Prajwal’s father H D Revanna on May 5 for allegedly kidnapping a victim to keep her from approaching investigating officials. Revanna was released on bail on May 12.

Courtesy: Indian Express