Suspended JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna, accused of sexually abusing several women, was arrested by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) upon his arrival at the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru early on Friday morning.
According to SIT sources, the 33-year-old MP was accompanied to the CID office for questioning upon his return from Munich. The SIT intends to send him to the Special Court and seek his police arrest for further interrogation, PTI reported.
According to the news agency report, security was tightened at Bowring and Lady Curzon hospitals, where Prajwal underwent a series of medical tests, including blood pressure, blood sugar levels and heart health. According to sources, the SIT may also conduct a potency test to prove his capacity to commit sexual assault.
On Friday, the Special Court for Public Representatives will hear the bail applications of Prajwal and his mother, Bhavani Revanna. Bhavani has sought anticipatory bail in an alleged kidnapping case, though she has not been charged, the report added.
State Home Minister G Parameshwara confirmed the arrest and said Prajwal was detained after landing in Munich around 12:40 am. “The SIT will follow legal procedures,” he said.
According to the news agency report, Prajwal faces three charges of sexual abuse. His father, Holenarasipura MLA HD Revanna, was earlier jailed and later released on bail after being accused of sexually abusing the family cook, who was also allegedly beaten by Prajwal.
Prajwal, grandson of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, left for Germany on April 27, the day after the Hassan elections. Interpol issued a ‘blue corner notice’ following a request by the SIT through the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Prajwal refuted the claims in a video statement released earlier this week, stating that they were politically motivated and that he had suffered from depression. He had also applied for anticipatory bail and the hearing was scheduled for Friday, the PTI report added.
The issue has created a political stir, with the ruling Congress and the BJP-JD(S) coalition in conflict. The Congress administration has set up an SIT to investigate, while the BJP and the JD(S) have urged a CBI probe and action against people who allegedly distributed pornographic recordings featuring Prajwal.
Deve Gowda recently asked his grandson to return to India and face the investigation, stating that there would be no family influence. Prajwal’s uncle, former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, also called for his return.
Following the allegations, the JD(S) suspended Prajwal Revanna from the party.
With PTI inputs