Bengaluru, India – JD(S) suspended MP Prajwal Revanna was arrested in connection with an obscene video case at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport shortly after he landed from Berlin, Germany. The arrest marks a significant development in a case involving serious allegations of sexual harassment and criminal intimidation.
Medical Examination and Court Appearance
Following his arrival and subsequent arrest, Revanna was transported to the CID office in Bengaluru. He is scheduled to undergo a medical examination shortly, after which he will be presented before the court. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Karnataka government has taken charge of the investigation, delving into allegations made by a woman who worked in Revanna’s household.
Revanna, who had been abroad for nearly a month on a diplomatic passport, faces accusations of using his influence to silence the complainant through intimidation.
#BREAKING: JDS Suspended MP Prajwal Revanna lands in Bengaluru after evading arrest for almost a month in the sexual harassment case. Revanna arrested by Police, taken to CID office for questioning. Revanna likely to be produced in court tomorrow after medical examination. pic.twitter.com/calCEqXS2V
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) May 30, 2024
Immediate Detention and Security Measures
The SIT detained Revanna immediately upon his arrival in Bengaluru. The team also confiscated two of his check-in bags, which were transported separately to ensure the integrity of potential evidence. Heightened security measures, including barricades, were put in place outside the CID office in anticipation of Revanna’s arrival and possible public reaction.
Background of the Case
The case against Revanna began when a woman employed in his household accused him of sexual harassment and criminal intimidation. The allegations include claims that Revanna used his political clout to suppress evidence and intimidate the complainant. These allegations were compounded by the release of an obscene video purportedly involving Revanna, which further fueled the scandal.
Upon returning from Berlin, Revanna was immediately taken into custody, highlighting the severity of the charges and the urgency with which the SIT is treating the case.
Anticipatory Bail and Political Allegations
Revanna’s anticipatory bail plea, filed on May 29, remains pending in court. His plea came just hours after the SIT arrested two key suspects in the case, identified as Naveen Gowda and Chetan. According to police sources, these individuals were apprehended when they appeared before the High Court seeking their own anticipatory bail.
The police allege that Gowda and Chetan distributed pen drives containing videos of Revanna allegedly assaulting women, thereby playing a crucial role in the dissemination of the incriminating material.
In a video released on May 27, Revanna stated his intention to cooperate with the investigation, announcing that he would appear before the SIT on May 31 for questioning. He also claimed that his trip abroad was pre-planned and suggested that the charges against him were part of a political conspiracy aimed at undermining his growing influence in politics.
Ministry of External Affairs Involvement
Adding to Revanna’s legal troubles, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has initiated actions to revoke his diplomatic passport. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that a show cause notice was issued to Revanna on May 23, with a 10-day period given for a response. Jaiswal stated, “MEA has initiated action under provisions in the Passport Act 1967 for revocation of the diplomatic passport of Prajwal Revanna. A show cause notice was issued to the passport holder on May 23, giving him 10 working days to respond to our notice. We are waiting for his response and accordingly, we will take things forward once we hear from him or once the 10-day period expires.”
Political Repercussions
The arrest and the surrounding allegations have triggered a political storm, with the JD(S) party and its members facing intense scrutiny. Revanna’s suspension from the JD(S) and his immediate arrest upon arrival indicate the gravity of the situation. The case is poised to have significant repercussions, not only for Revanna but also for the broader political landscape in Karnataka.
Revanna’s allegations of a political conspiracy are likely to resonate with his supporters, potentially fueling a narrative of victimization. However, the SIT’s swift action and the involvement of the MEA underscore the seriousness with which the allegations are being treated.
Legal and Political Analysis
Legal experts suggest that the case against Revanna could set a precedent for how allegations of sexual harassment and misuse of power are handled in Indian politics. The swift action by the SIT and the impending court proceedings will be closely watched as a test of the judicial system’s ability to address such high-profile cases impartially.
Politically, the case could either weaken Revanna’s standing or galvanize his base, depending on how the narrative unfolds in the coming days. The allegations of a political conspiracy, if substantiated, could shift public perception, while a conviction could deal a severe blow to Revanna’s career.
Future Developments
As Revanna undergoes medical examination and awaits his court appearance, the focus will be on the evidence presented by the SIT and the subsequent legal proceedings. The confiscation of his baggage and the high-security measures suggest that the authorities are preparing for a thorough investigation.
The political ramifications will also continue to unfold, with the JD(S) party needing to navigate the fallout from Revanna’s arrest. The outcome of his anticipatory bail plea and the court’s decisions in the coming days will be critical in determining the next steps for all parties involved.
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