Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna, who is facing sexual harassment charges, said in a self-made video that he will appear before the Special Investigative Team (SIT) on May 31 for questioning. The Karnataka JD(S) MP released a video expressing his intent to return to the country.
"On Friday, May 31, at 10 am, I will personally appear before the SIT, cooperate with the investigation, and address the charges. I have faith in the court and am confident that I will clear my name of these false accusations through the legal process," said Revanna.
There has been no independent confirmation, however, from the JD(S) or the family of the suspended party MP regarding the matter.
Shortly after, former Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy responded to the video message. Speaking in Chikkaballapur, Kumaraswamy said that HD Deve Gowda had warned Prajwal to appear before the SIT. Kumaraswamy mentioned that he too had requested Prajwal to do so.
"Now that Prajwal has stated he will appear for the SIT investigation, it has brought us relief," said HD Kumaraswamy.
The 33-year-old Revanna, grandson of JD(S) patriarch and former PM HD Deve Gowda, and the NDA candidate from the Hassan Lok Sabha seat, is facing multiple charges of sexually abusing women.
Revanna reportedly left for Germany on April 27, a day after the Hassan constituency went to polls, and remains at large. Interpol has issued a 'Blue Corner Notice' seeking information on his whereabouts, following a request by the SIT via the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
On May 18, a Special Court for Elected Representatives issued an arrest warrant against Revanna, following an application moved by the SIT. The Congress-led Karnataka government has urged the Centre to cancel his diplomatic passport.
Last week, HD Deve Gowda stated that his grandson should be punished "if found guilty." The family distanced itself from Revanna soon after the charges surfaced. Prajwal's remarks come three days after HD Deve Gowda sent out a "stern warning," urging him to return home and handle the situation lawfully.
Moreover, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah wrote to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) requesting that Revanna's diplomatic passport be revoked and that he be brought back to the nation.
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