Karnataka HM states due process followed in Prajwal’s arrest.
The Karnataka Home Minister stated that Prajwal’s arrest was conducted following due process. He emphasized that this action would aid the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which was formed by the state government to investigate cases against the Hassan Member of Parliament (MP). The Home Minister assured that the SIT is committed to conducting a thorough and impartial probe. The arrest is seen as a step towards ensuring accountability and transparency in the investigation process. The state government remains dedicated to upholding the law and delivering justice in this high-profile case.
Bengaluru: Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara announced on Friday that suspended JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna, who faces allegations of sexually abusing several women, was arrested following the completion of due process. Parameshwara emphasized that the arrest marks the beginning of further legal procedures to ensure a comprehensive investigation. He noted that this action would support the efforts of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) established by the state government to thoroughly probe the cases against the Hassan MP. The Home Minister reassured the public that the SIT is committed to conducting a meticulous and impartial investigation. The arrest is viewed as a crucial step towards achieving accountability and transparency in the legal proceedings. The state government remains steadfast in its dedication to upholding the law and delivering justice in this significant case.
Arrest of Prajwal Revanna: Detailed Account and Implications
1. Arrest on Friday
Prajwal Revanna, a suspended JD(S) MP facing allegations of sexually abusing several women, was arrested in the early hours of Friday by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). The arrest took place shortly after Prajwal arrived from Germany. Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara confirmed the details, stating, “Prajwal Revanna landed around 12:40 am – 12:50 am from Munich, Germany. Since there was an arrest warrant against him, the SIT accordingly arrested him, took him into custody, and will follow further legal procedures today.” Parameshwara mentioned he had yet to discuss further details with officials.
Speaking to reporters, Parameshwara elaborated, “As of now, the only information is that he (Prajwal) has arrived. He has been arrested, and according to the law, necessary actions like medical examination and presenting him before the judiciary will follow. All those procedures, including questioning him, will be undertaken.” The minister added, “He should have cooperated with the arrest. His immigration papers were cleared, and he was brought out of the airport. Since he had a diplomatic passport, the process was smooth. After completing all due procedures, he was arrested.”
Parameshwara also addressed whether the government would encourage more victims to come forward now that Prajwal has been arrested. He stated, “We have already urged those who have faced trouble from him to come forward and file complaints with the SIT and police. We will provide them with all kinds of protection.
2. Investigation Details
To a question about reports of Prajwal allegedly destroying evidence on his phone and claiming he had lost it, Parameshwara said he was not aware and had not received information from the SIT regarding this matter.
Regarding the delay in Prajwal’s arrest, the Home Minister explained, “If Prajwal had been in the country or the state, a team could have been dispatched to secure him. However, since he was abroad, certain procedures had to be followed. Through the CBI, Interpol was informed, and a Blue Corner Notice was issued against him. These procedures were adhered to. Knowing all these aspects and considering that in case the Lok Sabha poll results went against him, his diplomatic passport would be withdrawn, Prajwal had issued a video statement that he would surrender on May 31. He has now returned, which will assist the SIT in their investigation.”
3. Charges and Background
Prajwal Revanna, 33, is the grandson of JD(S) patriarch and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda and was the BJP-JD(S) alliance candidate from the Hassan Lok Sabha segment. He faces multiple charges of sexual abuse, with three cases of sexual assault already booked against him. Additional charges of rape have also been filed. Prajwal left for Germany on April 27, a day after the Hassan constituency went to polls. Following a request from the SIT via the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Interpol issued a Blue Corner Notice seeking information on Prajwal’s whereabouts.
A Blue Corner Notice is an international police cooperation tool used to collect additional information from member countries about a person’s identity, location, or activities in relation to a crime. This notice played a crucial role in tracking Prajwal’s movements and facilitating his arrest upon arrival in India.
The Congress-led Karnataka government has also urged the Centre to cancel Prajwal’s diplomatic passport. In response, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) served a show-cause notice to Prajwal, asking why his diplomatic passport should not be cancelled given the allegations of sexual abuse against him.
4. Legal and Political Ramifications
The arrest of Prajwal Revanna has significant legal and political implications. Legally, the arrest is a critical step in ensuring accountability and upholding the rule of law. The SIT’s role in this high-profile case underscores the state government’s commitment to a thorough and impartial investigation. The legal procedures following the arrest, including medical examinations, judicial presentations, and questioning, are expected to shed more light on the allegations and possibly uncover further evidence.
Politically, Prajwal’s arrest impacts the JD(S) and its alliance with the BJP. The allegations against him and the subsequent legal actions could influence public perception and electoral dynamics, especially in the Hassan constituency. The state government’s proactive stance in seeking the cancellation of Prajwal’s diplomatic passport and the MEA’s show-cause notice indicate a coordinated effort to address the issue at both state and central levels.
Moreover, the government’s call for more victims to come forward highlights a broader intent to address sexual abuse allegations comprehensively. Ensuring protection for complainants is a crucial aspect of encouraging victims to speak out, potentially leading to more revelations and stronger cases against the accused.
In conclusion, Prajwal Revanna’s arrest is a pivotal development in the ongoing investigation into serious allegations of sexual abuse. The due process followed in his arrest, the involvement of multiple legal and investigative bodies, and the broader political context underscore the case’s complexity and significance. The forthcoming legal procedures and potential new testimonies will be crucial in determining the outcome of this high-profile case.