The Karnataka government has formally requested the cancellation of the diplomatic passport belonging to MP Prajwal Revanna, the suspended Janata Dal (Secular) leader who faces serious allegations of mass sexual abuse and is currently in Germany. According to sources familiar with the matter, the external affairs ministry is now processing this request.
The formal letter from the Karnataka government to revoke Revanna’s passport was received by the external affairs ministry on Tuesday. The process is being carried out under the provisions of the Passports Act of 1967 and relevant regulations. However, the duration of this process remains unclear at the moment.
On May 2, it was revealed that Revanna traveled to Germany on a diplomatic passport, although authorities clarified that they played no role in facilitating his visa. The external affairs ministry stated that passports can only be revoked on the directions of a court, as per the Passports Act of 1967.
Home Minister G Parameshwara emphasized the state government’s urgency in canceling Revanna’s diplomatic passport, noting that the MP is the main accused in a high-profile case of mass sexual abuse. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the case swiftly wrote to the external affairs ministry requesting the cancellation of Revanna’s passport, following an arrest warrant issued by a Special Court for Elected Representatives in Bengaluru in a rape case filed by a former domestic help.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has also written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the cancellation of Revanna’s passport. The external affairs ministry clarified that no political clearance was sought or issued for Revanna’s travel to Germany, and holders of diplomatic passports do not require a visa for such travel.
As investigations continue and legal proceedings unfold, the case has drawn significant attention, with Interpol issuing a “Blue Corner Notice” seeking information on Revanna’s whereabouts in response to the SIT’s request.
The revocation of Revanna’s diplomatic passport underscores the seriousness of the allegations against him and the government’s commitment to ensuring accountability and justice in such cases.
