Authorities confiscated Revanna's mobile phone, which will undergo forensic examination for voice samples, along with his luggage.
Digital Desk: Karnataka lawmaker, Prajwal Revannawas arrested upon his arrival at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport just after midnight. He had recently traveled to Germany, following allegations of sexual crimes made by women who accused him of coercing them into filmed sexual acts. Revanna, a leader of the Janata Dal-Secular, was apprehended by a police team assigned to investigate the charges against him as he disembarked from Lufthansa flight LH0764. According to sources, he had previously canceled his return flights twice.
"Prajwal Revanna arrived at 12:40 am from Munich and was immediately arrested. The special investigation team (SIT) will follow due process, ensuring justice prevails. SIT is operating within the legal framework," stated Home Minister G Parameshwara to NDTV. He further added, "Although I haven't yet communicated with the officials, I trust they will adhere to proper procedures. I hope for his cooperation."
Authorities confiscated Revanna's mobile phone, which will undergo forensic examination for voice samples, along with his luggage. He has been transported to Bowring Hospital for medical tests, after which SIT chief BK Singh will interrogate him. Police have conducted a search at his residence in Hassan, seizing items deemed incriminating. Revanna will later be taken there, where the alleged assaults occurred, potentially to reconstruct events. Meanwhile, a Bengaluru special court dismissed an anticipatory bail plea on Thursday.
"Apologise To My Parents..."
On Monday Revanna released a video statement on X in which he said, "I apologise to my parents... I was in depression (over political rivals' attacks on the sex assault charges). I will appear (before the police team) on May 31. I will cooperate to the best of my abilities... I have the blessings of God..."
The directive followed a 'warning' from his grandfather and JDS stalwart HD Deve Gowda, who advised him to return to India and surrender or "face your family's wrath." Revanna also received similar admonitions from his uncle, former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy.
Additionally, Revanna, the outgoing Member of Parliament for Hassan, won the seat in 2019 and was re-nominated for the 2024 elections with backing from the JDS' newfound ally, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Despite this alliance, the BJP has distanced itself from Revanna and the ongoing investigation. S Prakash, the state unit head, stated, "We, as a party, are uninvolved in the videos and refrain from commenting."
Meanwhile, internal strife brewed within the JDS when party leader Sharangouda Kandkur voiced concerns about potential embarrassment if the allegations were made public.
Timeline of the Prajwal Revanna Sex Tapes Case: Following the emergence of allegations on April 27, Revanna boarded a flight to Munich on April 27, a day after the voting in Hassan. He made a brief statement on platform 'X', cryptically stating "truth will soon prevail," without addressing the accusations directly.
Subsequently, the ruling Congress formed a special police team based on complaints from the state's Women's Commission, leading to the filing of the first case a week after the videos surfaced. This triggered a political dispute, with both the Congress and the BJP trading blame for Revanna's departure.
On May 1, the Congress and the BJP intensified their criticism of Revanna. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to revoke Revanna's diplomatic passport. He reiterated this request on May 22, following a similar plea from the investigating police team to the Ministry of External Affairs.
A dispute ensued over the cancellation of Revanna's passport, with the Congress accusing the BJP of shielding him. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar responded by asserting that his office promptly acted upon receiving the request.
Interpol issued a Blue Corner notice on May 7, seeking information about Revanna's whereabouts in relation to the criminal inquiry. The warrant for Revanna's arrest was issued on May 18.
On May 23, HD Deve Gowda urged his grandson to surrender, following which Revanna announced his intention to return on May 31.
Charges Against Prajwal Revanna: Three cases have been filed against Revanna. The first, filed on April 28 in Hassan, alleges sexual assault and exploitation by a 47-year-old former maid, with HD Revanna as the primary accused. The second case, registered on May 1, involves a 44-year-old woman accusing Prajwal Revanna of multiple rapes, including at gunpoint. The third case, filed on May 3, involves a 60-year-old woman alleging rape by Prajwal Revanna. Revanna has refuted all allegations, claiming they are part of a conspiracy by his adversaries.
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