Karnataka sex scandal: Deve Gowda sternly warns grandson Prajwal Revanna to return, face probe

Janata Dal (Secular) party supremo HD Deve Gowda on Thursday (May 23) issued a stern warning to his grandson, Prajwal Revanna asking him to return to India and face the law in the Karnataka sex video scandal.

The JDS MP from Hassan has been absconding after being allegedly accused of sexual harassment by a woman who worked in his household.

Gowda shared a statement on his official X handle that asked Revanna to surrender before the police. He also said that if found guilty, his grandson should not be spared and be given the harshest punishment under the law.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

"At this juncture, I can do only 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," the former Indian prime minister said in a statement.

He then clarified that it was "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 anger of all his family members. The law will take care of the accusations against him, but not listening to the family will ensure his total isolation. If he has any respect left for me, he has to return immediately," Gowda said.

He also ensured that his family would not interfere in the enquiry against Revanna.

"I wish to also make it clear that I will ensure that there will be no interference in the enquiry against him from me or my family members. There is no emotion in this regard in my mind whatsoever, there is only the cause of justice for those who have suffered as a result of his alleged actions and misdeeds," the 92-year-old veteran politician added.

This comes after Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah wrote to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to cancel Revanna's diplomatic passport "along with prompt and concerted actions to secure his return to India."

"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.

"It is shameful that Prajwal Revannafled 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," the Karnataka CM added.

(With inputs from agencies)