Prajwal Revanna uses diplomatic passport for unauthorized trip amid sexual abuse allegations

Janata Dal (Secular) MP Prajwal Revanna, currently implicated in a sexual abuse case, traveled to Germany using a diplomatic passport, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday, May 2. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that Prajwal did not seek or receive political clearance for his trip, nor was any visa note issued for his travel to any country.

Government Reaction and Public Outcry

The issue came to the fore following a letter from Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the revocation of Prajwal’s diplomatic passport and his repatriation. This request highlights the serious nature of the allegations against Prajwal, who is also the grandson of JD(S) founder and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda.

Legal and Investigative Challenges

Prajwal’s travel controversy coincides with the ongoing investigations into the allegations against him. He requested an additional seven days to respond to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the accusations. The SIT has also issued notices to Prajwal and his father H D Revanna, further intensifying the scrutiny.

Background of the Case

Allegations against Prajwal first emerged in June of the previous year, centering around videos purported to show him engaging in sexual abuse. These videos spread widely in Karnataka, causing significant public outrage. In response to these events, Nagalakshmi Chaudhary, head of Karnataka’s women’s commission, called for immediate police action against the alleged offenses.

Political and Social Implications

The incident reflects the challenges faced by political figures when personal actions and public responsibilities clash. The use of a diplomatic passport in such a controversial manner not only raises legal questions but also public trust issues, particularly when the individual is under investigation for serious allegations.