Prajwal Revanna, the JD(S) Member of Parliament representing Hassan, Karnataka, is expected to be arrested upon his arrival in Bengaluru tomorrow. Revanna, embroiled in two rape cases, will be returning from Munich, and Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara has confirmed that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) is prepared to detain him immediately.
“All necessary measures have to be taken, as a warrant has been issued against him. He has to be arrested. SIT is waiting, they will arrest him and will take his statement, and their process will start,” Parameshwara stated.
Revanna’s imminent arrest follows his video statement pledging to appear before the SIT on May 31. He left for Germany on April 27, the day after polling in Hassan, and has since been out of the country. The SIT, with assistance from Interpol and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), has issued a ‘Blue Corner Notice’ to track Revanna’s whereabouts.
The controversy has sparked criticism within his own party. JD(S) legislator Samruddhi Manjunath condemned Revanna for “bringing embarrassment to all and cannot be forgiven,” and criticized him for leaving the country, calling it a “self-trap.”
Revanna’s legal team has sought anticipatory bail in the cases filed against him, but Special Judge Gajanana Bhat has adjourned the hearing on the petition to Friday. The bail plea pertains to a sexual abuse and rape case in Holenarasipura and two other cases under SIT investigation.
Revanna, 33, maintains his innocence, claiming to have a “valid and tenable defense.” He alleges that the electronic evidence against him has been fabricated to register false cases. Revanna emphasized his amicable relationship with the first informant and expressed shock at the allegations, affirming his readiness to cooperate with authorities.
Times Network has obtained access to his anticipatory bail petitions filed in the MPs/MLAs court, highlighting his contention of innocence and the alleged fabrication of evidence.