Janata Dal (Secular) patron and India's former Prime Minister, HD Deve Gowda, has publicly expressed his disapproval and issued a direct command to his grandson, Prajwal Revanna. Revanna, currently a Member of Parliament for Hassan, is urged to return to India immediately to address serious legal challenges awaiting him.

Currently, Prajwal Revanna finds himself embroiled in a significant legal controversy involving accusations of sexual harassment and criminal intimidation. These allegations stem from a complaint filed by a female employee who previously worked at his residence. In response to these grave accusations, the Karnataka government has taken the step of setting up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to thoroughly investigate the matter.

Adding to the gravity of the situation, HD Deve Gowda has articulated his concerns through a letter that he chose to share on the social media platform X. In this letter, Gowda reveals that he is currently unaware of his grandson's whereabouts but has unequivocally warned him, stating that it is imperative for him to "return home and face the law."

HD Deve Gowda, the former Prime Minister and respected figure in Indian politics, has publicly addressed the controversies surrounding his grandson, Prajwal Revanna, with a candid openness about his personal feelings and expectations. In a revealing statement, Gowda expressed a stringent stance regarding the allegations against Prajwal, emphasizing his commitment to justice and moral accountability.

In his heartfelt discourse, Gowda stated, “I have already said that he should be given the harshest punishment under the law if found guilty. I also cannot convince people that I was unaware of Prajwal’s activities. I cannot convince them that I have no desire to shield him. I cannot convince them that I am not aware of his movements and that I was not aware of his foreign trip. I believe in answering my conscience. I believe in God, and I know the almighty knows the truth,” highlighting his unwavering resolve in the face of family turmoil.

Further solidifying his position, Gowda appealed to his grandson’s sense of familial duty and respect. He powerfully articulated the urgency and severity of the situation, urging Prajwal to return to India and confront the legal accusations levied against him. Gowda's message was clear and devoid of ambiguity, emphasizing the distinction between a mere appeal and a firm warning. He expressed, “At this juncture, I can only do one thing. I can issue a stern warning to Prajwal and ask him to return from wherever he is and surrender before the Police. He should subject himself to the legal process. This is not an appeal that I am making, it is a warning that I am issuing. If he does not heed this warning he will have to face my anger and the anger of all his family, If he has any respect left for me he has to return immediately,” thereby setting the stage for a potential familial and public showdown should his warnings go unheeded.

Amidst the controversy, Gowda has vowed transparency and non-interference, ensuring that the process remains untainted by familial influence. "I will ensure that there will be no interference in the enquiry against him from me or my family members," the former PM firmly declared.

This statement comes at a critical time, as earlier in the day, Karnataka's Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, took additional steps to address the situation by reaching out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Chief Minister's correspondence focused on the severe actions of Prajwal Revanna and the subsequent legal and diplomatic implications. In his letter to the Prime Minister, Siddaramaiah requested the cancellation of Prajwal Revanna's Diplomatic Passport and sought the central government's assistance in ensuring his swift return to India for facing legal proceedings.

Elaborating on the urgency and the egregious nature of the situation, Siddaramaiah's letter to the Prime Minister highlighted the specific details of Revanna's departure from India. He stated, “It is shameful that Prajwal Revanna fled the country on April 27, 2024, to Germany using his diplomatic passport shortly after news of his heinous actions emerged and just a few hours before the first FIR was filed against him.” This timeline reveals the quick succession of events leading up to Revanna's departure, underscoring the gravity of the allegations and the need for prompt legal action.

In a significant communication addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has reiterated his concerns over the serious allegations against Prajwal Revanna. "I write to you once again to draw attention to the grave series of incidents that Prajwal Revanna has been accused of committing. These incidents have not only shocked the conscience of the people of the State of Karnataka but have also caused a nationwide concern," he said, emphasizing the depth of the issue and its broader implications.

Detailing the specifics of Revanna's escape, Siddaramaiah outlined the sequence of events that led to his departure. "It is shameful that Prajwal Revanna, a Member of Parliament from Hassan constituency, who is also contesting for re-election in the present general election, and who is the grandson of a former Prime Minister, fled the country on the 27th of April 2024 to Germany using his diplomatic passport bearing number 11135500 shortly after news of his heinous actions emerged and just a few hours before the first FIR was filed against him. He has abused his diplomatic privileges to flee the country and to escape criminal proceedings," the Chief Minister elaborated, stressing the misuse of diplomatic privileges and the urgency of the matter.

Further expressing his concerns, Siddaramaiah highlighted the challenges in apprehending Revanna despite significant legal efforts. He noted that "despite the issue of a Look Out Circular, a Blue Corner Notice, and two notices by the Investigating Officer, Prajwal Revanna has managed to remain in hiding to this day."

"The Government of Karnataka has taken prompt actions to meet the ends of justice by setting up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) for investigation of the matter. The SIT is investigating the alleged crimes of Prajwal Revanna against women and is making efforts to secure the presence of the accused to face criminal charges," he explained. This statement highlights the government's commitment to ensuring that justice is served through diligent investigation and legal proceedings.

Siddaramaiah also shared his grave concerns about the inability to capture Revanna despite extensive legal measures. "It is a matter of serious concern that the accused Prajwal Revanna has managed to remain in hiding to this day despite the issue of a Look Out Circular, a Blue Corner Notice, and two notices by the Investigating Officer under section 41A CrPC. The FIR against Prajwal Revanna contains charges like rape, sexual assault, disrobing women and forcibly video-graphing sexual acts to threaten the victims," he added. The enumeration of charges against Revanna underscores the severity of the accusations and the crucial need for his apprehension and trial.

In a final plea to the Prime Minister, Siddaramaiah emphasized the critical nature of the situation and the necessity for immediate action. "He further urged PM Modi to consider this matter with utmost seriousness and take prompt and necessary actions."

He stated, "Therefore, I urge you to kindly consider this matter with utmost seriousness and take prompt and necessary actions to cancel the diplomatic passport of Prajwal Revanna, under Section 10(3)(h) of the Passport Act, 1967 or under any other relevant law and secure his return to the country in the interest of the public," pressing the need for swift action to ensure justice and maintain public trust.

In response to this urgent request, the Ministry of External Affairs of India has taken significant steps. Reliable sources report that the Ministry has already received a formal letter from the Karnataka government requesting the cancellation of Prajwal Revanna's diplomatic passport. This action is currently underway, with the request being actively processed. The cancellation of the diplomatic passport is a crucial measure to facilitate Revanna's return to India, where he is expected to face the allegations against him under the full extent of the law.

This development is a testament to the cooperative efforts between state and central governments to address issues of public concern and legal accountability, particularly in cases involving public figures and potential abuses of power. The swift processing of this request by the Ministry of External Affairs demonstrates their commitment to upholding the law and ensuring that individuals facing serious charges are brought to justice.