Exactly one month after departing the country, Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna, embroiled in allegations of sexual abuse, has declared his intention to present himself before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on May 31.
In a video statement broadcasted on Kannada TV channel Asianet Suvarna News, Prajwal affirmed, "I will personally appear before the SIT at 10 am on Friday, May 31, and fully cooperate with the investigation. I am confident in the judicial process and trust that I will be vindicated from these false allegations."
While there has been no immediate independent confirmation from the JD(S) or Revanna's family regarding his statement, Prajwal expressed gratitude for the support of God, the public, and his family. "I will surely face the SIT on May 31 and strive to bring this matter to a resolution. Please continue to place your trust in me," he added.
The 33-year-old Prajwal, grandson of JD(S) stalwart and former PM H D Deve Gowda, and the NDA candidate for the Hassan Lok Sabha constituency, faces multiple charges of sexual misconduct.
Prajwal reportedly departed for Germany on April 27, the day following the polls in Hassan, and remains elusive. An Interpol-issued 'Blue Corner Notice' soliciting information on his whereabouts, at the behest of the SIT via the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
In light of an arrest warrant issued on May 18 by a Special Court for Elected Representatives, prompted by the SIT's petition, the Congress-led Karnataka government has urged the Centre to revoke Prajwal Revanna's diplomatic passport.