India IssuesBlue Noticeto Locate Fugitive MP in Germany

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is set to issue a Blue Corner notice against absconding Janata Dal (Secular) MP Prajwal Revanna, who fled to Germany on a diplomatic passport after a criminal investigation was launched against him. The Karnataka Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, was informed by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) officials about this development on Saturday.

A Blue Notice is part of Interpol's colour-coded system, which enables countries to share alerts and requests for information on wanted persons/crimes worldwide. It is used to collect additional information about a person's identity, location, or activities in relation to a criminal investigation. According to Interpol, Blue Corner notices are "international requests for cooperation or alerts allowing police in member countries to share critical crime-related information."

Why this matters: The use of Interpol's Blue Notice in this case highlights the importance of international cooperation in bringing fugitives to justice, especially in cases involving high-profile individuals who may attempt to exploit diplomatic privileges. This development also underscores the need for governments to ensure that those accused of serious crimes are held accountable, regardless of their political or social status.

Prajwal Revanna, the grandson of former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, and his father, Holenarasipura MLA H D Revanna, are accused of sexual misconduct involving several women. The incident came to light when pen drives containing 2,967 files were circulated widely in the Hassan Lok Sabha constituency, prompting widespread outrage.

A case was registered on April 28 by the Holenarasipura town police based on a complaint filed by a 47-year-old woman, alleging sexual abuse by Prajwal and his father, Revanna. Karnataka's Home Minister G Parameshwara said that the SIT had issued a lookout notice against H D Revanna, who is presently facing two FIRs. A second FIR was also filed against Prajwal by the CID in Bengaluru on Wednesday, based on a complaint filed by a JD(S) party worker, alleging that she was raped by the MP at gunpoint.

Prajwal reportedly flew abroad on April 27, just a day after the first phase of Lok Sabha polls in Karnataka on April 26. Despite requests from his lawyer for a seven-day time for his appearance before the SIT, the investigating team rejected this request, citing the absence of such provisions.

"We will proceed for arrest with appropriate measures. There is a possibility of CBI issuing a Blue Corner notice, which will speed up the investigation," SIT officials told Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also wrote to Siddaramaiah, requesting him to extend all possible support to the victims and ensure that those responsible for the crimes are brought to book.

Prajwal Revanna is the NDA candidate from Hassan Lok Sabha constituency, where polling concluded on April 26. The JD(S) joined the NDA in September 2023. Given India's amicable relations with Germany, it is expected that Indian and German law enforcement will cooperate to resolve the case and bring the accused to justice.

Key Takeaways

• CBI to issue Blue Corner notice against absconding MP Prajwal Revanna.
• Revanna fled to Germany on a diplomatic passport amid sexual abuse allegations.
• Blue Corner notice to collect info on Revanna's identity, location, and activities.
• Case involves sexual misconduct allegations against Revanna and his father.
• India and Germany expected to cooperate to bring Revanna to justice.