MEA initiates action to revoke rape-accused Prajwal Revanna's diplomatic passport
What's the story
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has begun proceedings to revoke the diplomatic passport of Janata Dal (Secular) MP Prajwal Revanna, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed.
Jaiswal reiterated that a show cause notice has been issued to Revanna on May 23, providing him a 10-day window to justify why his passport should not be canceled.
Revanna left the country on April 27, hours before the first First Information Report (FIR) alleging sexual assault was filed against him.
Context
Why does this story matter?
The 33-year-old grandson of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda is facing charges of criminal intimidation, sexual harassment, and stalking after thousands of videos surfaced showing him in sexual acts with multiple women.
The clips, which were leaked just days before the Hassan Lok Sabha election, were reportedly shot by Revanna himself.
Notably, Revanna is contesting Karnataka's Hassan Lok Sabha constituency again as the candidate of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
SIT appearance
Revanna to face sit; arrest possible upon arrival
Revanna is expected to return to Bengaluru after midnight on Thursday and will present himself before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Friday at 10:00am.
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara has indicated that Revanna could be arrested directly from the airport if necessary.
Revanna has reportedly applied for anticipatory bail in three cases filed against him on various charges, including rape, fearing arrest by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is investigating the case.
Public outrage
Public protests and Revanna's return journey details
Reports suggest that he has booked a flight from Munich to Bengaluru via Lufthansa Airlines, expected to land at 12:05am.
The police are prepared for Revanna's arrival, with a team of SIT officials stationed at the airport.
Immigration officials at the airport have also been instructed to detain him upon arrival due to a lookout notice against him, after which he will be handed over to the SIT.
Reportedly, Revanna canceled his flights from Germany twice in the past month.
Circulars
SIT issued look out circulars
If Revanna doesn't return to India, the Karnataka government will request that the Indian government cancel his passport, Parameshwara said.
"We will again request Interpol through CBI, as the state government cannot do it directly; we will have to do it through Government of India agencies," he added.
Earlier, the SIT issued look out circulars against Revanna, while Interpol issued a "Blue Corner Notice" seeking information on the whereabouts of the MP.