New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a show-cause notice to suspended JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna. The notice pertains to allegations of sexual abuse against him, with the Karnataka government urging the cancellation of his diplomatic passport, according to news agency PTI citing sources familiar with the matter.
Official sources told PTI on Thursday had mentioned that the MEA was reviewing Karnataka's request. Prajwal Revanna is reportedly in Germany at present.
As part of the process to cancel his passport, Prajwal has been served a show-cause notice, according to sources cited by PTI. The notice, delivered via email, is a step in response to allegations of sexual abuse against the suspended JD(S) MP.
Prajwal, the grandson of former prime minister HD Deve Gowda, is at the centre of a mass sexual abuse case and the Hassan MP, departed India on April 27, just after the Lok Sabha elections were held in his constituency.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is reportedly moving forward with the process of canceling his diplomatic passport, citing provisions of the Passports Act of 1967 and related regulations. Should his passport be revoked, Prajwal's stay abroad would become unlawful, potentially subjecting him to legal repercussions from authorities in the country where he currently resides, as per sources familiar with the situation, PTI reported.
This comes as Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah recently sent a second letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reiterating the urgency for prompt action in canceling Prajwal's passport. This follows a similar appeal made on May 1st.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Karnataka government, in response to sexual abuse allegations against Prajwal, has also urged the MEA to revoke his diplomatic passport.
This request came after a local court issued an arrest warrant against him. Additionally, Interpol has issued a 'Blue Corner Notice' to gather information on Prajwal's whereabouts, as per the SIT's request.
Prajwal Did Not Seek Political Clearance For Trip: MEA
Earlier this month, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Prajwal travelled to Germany on a diplomatic passport and he did not seek political clearance for the trip. "No political clearance was either sought from or issued by MEA in respect of the travel of the said MP to Germany", Jaiswal had said.
"Obviously, no visa note was issued either. No visa is required for diplomatic passport holders to travel to Germany. The Ministry has not issued visa note for any other country", the MEA spokesperson said.
Prajwal's father H D Revanna, a former Karnataka minister, was also booked on charges of sexual harassment and criminal intimidation. He is currently out on bail.