Will Prajwal Revanna's diplomatic passport be revoked? Here's what MEA is doing

New Delhi: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has formally urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take action. Meanwhile, Home Minister G Parameshwara has confirmed that the Home Department has officially requested the cancellation of Prajwal's diplomatic passport. Without it, Prajwal would be forced to return to India.

Government's appeal for passport cancellation

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is currently processing a request from the Karnataka government to cancel the diplomatic passport of MP Prajwal Revanna, who faces charges of sexual abuse, according to sources on Thursday.

On Tuesday, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara announced that the state government has petitioned the MEA to revoke the diplomatic passport of the Hassan MP following an arrest warrant issued against him by a court. “MEA has received a letter from the Karnataka government for cancellation of diplomatic passport in respect of MP Prajwal Revanna. This is being processed,” sources said.

Prajwal Revanna's legal troubles

Prajwal, 33, the grandson of JD(S) patriarch and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda and the NDA’s candidate from the Hassan Lok Sabha segment, is currently facing multiple charges of sexually abusing women. He reportedly fled to Germany on April 27, just one day after the Hassan polls and is now absconding.

Chief Minister's call for action

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has already written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging immediate action. Home Minister G Parameshwara further explained that the Home Department has issued an official request to cancel Prajwal’s diplomatic passport, noting that without it, Prajwal would be unable to remain abroad and would be compelled to return to India.

Arrest warrant and Interpol notice

A Special Court for Elected Representatives issued an arrest warrant against Prajwal Revanna on Saturday, following a request by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) established by the state government to investigate the serial sexual abuse allegations. Additionally, a ‘Blue Corner Notice’ has been issued by Interpol, seeking information on Prajwal’s whereabouts after a request by the SIT through the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Family's response

When asked about JD(S) leader and former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy’s call for Prajwal, his nephew, to return to India and face the probe, Parameshwara stated, “I have seen it in the media; it is their family’s internal matter. Let him (Prajwal) come and face the law.”