The Karnataka government’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) has issued a lookout circular against Prajwal Revanna, an MP from Hassan, who is accused of sexual harassment by multiple women and is currently believed to be in Germany. The lookout circular directs all immigration points in India to detain Revanna upon his arrival, including airports, seaports, and border checkposts.
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara stated, “A lookout notice has been issued soon after it was learnt that Prajwal Revanna has gone abroad. We have informed all the ports and airports about the lookout notice.” Revanna had requested seven more days to appear before the SIT as he is abroad, but the request was denied, as there is no provision to grant more than 24 hours for such requests.
The SIT, formed under the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on April 28, is investigating the allegations against Revanna following complaints from several women. An FIR was filed against him on the same day. Reports suggest that Revanna, a Lok Sabha NDA candidate, left the country on April 27, possibly to avoid imminent arrest, and is traveling abroad on his diplomatic passport.
Revanna faces charges of sexual harassment, intimidation, and outraging the dignity of a woman under sections 354A, 354D, 506, and 509 of the IPC. Allegations include sexual assault by Revanna and his father HD Revanna, as claimed by one of the victims, a former housekeeper.
In response to the allegations and the formation of the SIT, the JD(S) party, a BJP alliance partner in Karnataka, suspended Prajwal Revanna, citing significant damage to the party’s reputation due to circulating videos of the Hassan MP.
Despite his absence, Prajwal Revanna expressed confidence in the investigation, stating, “As I am not in Bangalore to attend the enquiry, I have communicated to CID, Bangalore, through my advocate. Truth will prevail soon.” His request for an additional seven days to appear before the SIT was rejected by the home minister, who stated, “There is no provision to grant more than 24 hours.”