Hassan Sexual Abuse Case: Lookout Circular Against JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna After He Fails To Appear Before SIT

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) looking into allegations of sexual abuse against JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna has issued a lookout circular after he failed to appear before officials following a notice served on Tuesday (30 April).

On Wednesday, Prajwal, the grandson of JD(S) founder and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, requested seven days to appear before the SIT. Notices were also issued to Prajwal and his father H D Revanna, named as accused based on the complaint of one of the women.

A police officer from the SIT confirmed that a lookout circular has been issued at all immigration points to detain Prajwal Revanna, who is reportedly in Germany, upon his return to India. "It is standard procedure to issue a lookout notice and we have done it," the officer said.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah formed the SIT to investigate the allegations following a letter from the State Commission for Women.

Several explicit videos allegedly involving Prajwal Revanna went viral on social media.

A case was registered by the Holenarasipura town police on 28 April after pen drives with 2,967 files went viral in the Hassan Lok Sabha constituency. A 47-year-old woman filed a police complaint alleging she was sexually abused by Prajwal and his father Revanna.

Prajwal Revanna and H D Revanna have been booked under sections 354(a) (sexual harassment), 354(d) (stalking), 506 (criminal intimidation), and 509 (intent to insult the modesty of any woman) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

In his first reaction to the episode, Prajwal wrote on Wednesday, "As I am not in Bangalore to attend the inquiry, I have communicated to CID Bangalore through my Advocate. The truth will prevail soon."

On the same day, Siddaramaiah wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the Centre to cancel Prajwal Revanna's diplomatic passport. The Karnataka chief minister said the centre must ensure his return by using diplomatic and police channels.

H D Revanna has called the allegations a 'conspiracy' and said, "It's a 4-5-year-old conspiracy, and I know what kind of conspiracy is going on."

The Janata Dal (Secular) suspended Prajwal from the party on Tuesday following the allegations, stating that he will remain suspended until the SIT submits its report.