Prajwal Revanna sexual abuse case: Lookout notice issued for failing to appear before SIT

The JD(S) has suspended Revanna till the end of the probe, and BJP's Amit Shah has said that the saffron party can't stay with those who commit atrocities against women.

Bengaluru: A lookout circular was issued against incumbent JD (S) MP Prajwal Revanna after he failed to appear before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) set up to probe the alleged Hassan sex scandal.

“All airports and ports have been alerted and a lookout notice has been issued,” Home Minister G Parameshwara told reporters on Thursday.

Prajwal will likely be detained as soon as he enters the country and reports at immigration.

In a case of sexual harassment registered at the Holenarsipur Town Police Station in Hassan on April 28, Prajwal and his father, Holenarsipur MLA HD Revanna, were named as the suspects. However, before the case was lodged, Prajwal had fled to Germany. "We have his tickets showing that he travelled outside the country," Parameshwara said. "The Centre gave him a diplomatic passport allowing him to travel without being asked too many questions at airports." 

The government subsequently set up the SIT led by BK Singh, the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Criminal Investigation Department (CID), to probe the charges.

On Tuesday, the SIT issued a notice of appearance within 24 hours under Section 41A of the CrPC to both Revanna and Prajwal. Neither of them appeared.

“Revanna told officials that he would appear on Thursday. In case he doesn’t, he has to be arrested as per the law,” the Home Minister said.

In a post on X on Wednesday, Prajwal, responding for the first time since the alleged scandal broke, wrote: “As I am not in Bangalore to attend the enquiry, I have communicated to CID Bangalore through my Advocate. Truth will prevail soon.”

Prajwal’s advocate Arun G noted in the appeal: “As my client Prajwal Revanna is travelling outside Bengaluru, he needs seven more days to appear before you as per the notice. I request that you give Prajwal seven days and mark another date for the inquiry.”

Responding to Prajwal’s request, the Home Minister said: “There are no provisions to extend or give additional time [for appearance]. The SIT is also seeking a legal opinion. In case there is a provision, the time will be given where he will have to appear. There are no other avenues to escape or stall.”

The Home Minister also said that the probe team had recorded the statement of the survivor. “The survivors will be protected by the government.”

Another survivor complains

The Home Minister said that on Wednesday another survivor had filed a police complaint. “It is not right to delve further into the matter and I won’t do it,” Parameshwara said.