Diplomatic Dilemma: Siddaramaiah’s Urgent Plea

In a recent correspondence addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Karnataka’s Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, emphasized the urgency of canceling the diplomatic passport belonging to Prajwal Revanna, a suspended member of the Janata Dal Secular party. Revanna stands accused of multiple counts of sexual abuse against women.

Expressing deep concern, the Chief Minister implored PM Modi to take decisive action, stressing the gravity of the situation and the imperative to address it with utmost seriousness. The request was clear: revoke the diplomatic passport of the 33-year-old MP without delay.

“It is deeply regrettable,” the letter lamented, “that Mr. Prajwal Revanna, an elected representative from the Hassan constituency and a contender in the ongoing general elections, opted to flee the country using his diplomatic passport (number D 1135500) on April 27, 2024.” This escape occurred shortly after reports of his alleged misconduct surfaced, and just hours before the initial FIR was lodged against him. The Chief Minister condemned Revanna’s misuse of diplomatic privileges to evade legal accountability.

The missive underscored the state government’s proactive measures to ensure justice, including the establishment of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the accusations against Revanna. “The SIT is diligently pursuing its inquiry into the allegations of misconduct by Mr. Prajwal Revanna,” the letter affirmed, “and is actively seeking his extradition to face trial.”

Following the scandal involving purported ‘obscene videos,’ Revanna absconded from the country, evading law enforcement despite the issuance of a Look Out Circular and a Blue Corner Notice against him. The Chief Minister voiced dismay at the lack of substantive action in response to previous appeals, emphasizing the urgency of apprehending Revanna and holding him accountable.

Prajwal Revanna, scion of the political lineage of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda and son of Karnataka MLA HD Revanna, stands accused of egregious offenses against women. The dissemination of video footage purportedly depicting his misconduct sparked public outcry in Hassan and prompted swift investigative action by authorities.