Prajwal Revanna, the accused in the Karnataka sex scandal case, has been arrested. Revanna returned to Bengaluru from Germany after approximately 34 days and was apprehended by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) as soon as he arrived at Kempegowda International Airport. He is accused of sexually exploiting multiple women, a scandal that has caused significant uproar in Karnataka. The Janata Dal (Secular) party (JDS) has since suspended him.

Arrest and Upcoming Court Appearance

Revanna, who arrived on a Lufthansa flight early Friday morning, was taken into custody by the SIT team directly from the airport. He is expected to be interrogated and produced in court later today. This arrest follows the rejection of his anticipatory bail plea by a Bengaluru court a day earlier. Prajwal Revanna is the grandson of JD(S) supremo and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda.

Background of the Case

Revanna left India on April 27, just six days after being accused of sexual harassment, and one day after voting in the Hassan Lok Sabha seat. He traveled to Munich using his diplomatic passport and has now returned to Bengaluru after 34 days. Revanna, the sitting MP from Hassan, had previously announced his intention to appear before the SIT on May 31.

Allegations and Political Context

The SIT is investigating allegations that Revanna sexually exploited several women. Revanna has dismissed these accusations as false and part of a political conspiracy, claiming that the allegations have caused him to fall into depression. He remains a candidate in the current electoral race despite these serious charges.

Interpol and Government Actions

After Revanna allegedly fled to Germany, the SIT sought assistance from Interpol through the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), leading to the issuance of a 'Blue Corner Notice'. On May 18, a special court for cases against MPs and MLAs issued an arrest warrant for Revanna after the SIT filed an application. The Congress-led Karnataka government has also urged the Center to cancel his diplomatic passport. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a show cause notice to Revanna, questioning why his diplomatic passport should not be revoked given the serious allegations against him.