Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, accusing him of protecting JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna, who faced multiple charges of sexually abusing women. Gandhi posted on X, “Why are you protecting a mass rapist, Prime Minister? What is your compulsion?” 

एक मास रेपिस्ट को आप बचा क्यों रहे हैं प्रधानमंत्री जी? ऐसी भी क्या मजबूरी है आपकी? https://t.co/qyQV9a3muc

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 23, 2024

The statement came as a comment on Karnataka Chief Minister Sidddaramaiah’s request for the cancellation of Revanna’s diplomatic passport. He also called for efforts to ensure Revanna’s return to India. This was Karnataka CM’s second request to PM Modi regarding the same. 

“It is shameful that Prajwal, a Member of Parliament from Hassan constituency, who is also contesting for re-election in the present general elections, and who is the grandson of a former Prime Minister, fled the country, the 27th of April, 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,” the Karnataka CM said.

According to a PTI report, official sources have confirmed that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) received Karnataka’s request for the passport revocation and is processing it. Siddaramaiah, in his letter to Modi, described Revanna’s escape as “shameful”. 

Meanwhile, former Prime Minister and Prawjal’s grandfather Deve Gowda issued a “warning” asking him to return to the country immediately and surrender before the police. “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,” he said.

Trouble mounted for the 33-year-old absconding sitting MP of JD(S), who is also NDA’s candidate from the Hassan Lok Sabha seat, is facing charges of sexual harassment from several women. According to reports, Revanna fled to Germany on April  27y, a day after Hassan went to the polls. 

The Interpol has already issued a ‘Blue Corner Notice’ seeking leads about his whereabouts after SIT’s request through the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). An arrest warrant was issued against Prajwal on May 19 by a Special Court for Elected Representatives, after a plea was moved by the SIT. 

READ | ‘Return Immediately Or Face My Anger’: Ex-PM Deve Gowda’s ‘Warning’ To Grandson Prajwal Revanna