BENGALURU:
Hassan
MP
Prajwal
Revanna, who left the country exactly a month ago amid allegations of sexual abuse, released a video statement on Monday announcing intent to return to India and appear before the Special Investigation Team (
SIT
) on May 31.
"I'll personally appear before the SIT at 10am Friday and cooperate with the probe and respond to the charges.
I've faith in the judiciary and God. I'm confident I'll emerge victorious from these false cases," he said in the three-minute video in Kannada.
Prajwal, grandson of former PM and JD(S) patriarch HD Deve Gowda, claimed he "went into
depression
" and "isolated" himself after
Rahul Gandhi
and many other Congress leaders started defaming him in open fora. "When I was watching a news channel on YouTube, I learnt (about the development back home). After that, SIT also issued a notice. I had sought a week's time to respond to the SIT notice through my lawyers and 'X' account (social media)."
Prajwal alleges political conspiracy against him
Prajwal alleged a political conspiracy was hatched against by many in Hassan, his home district. "As I was growing politically in Hassan, all got together (to undercut my influence). Looking at all these things, I was shocked; so I was a bit away. So, no one should mistake (me) for it," the MP said.
Prajwal, who recontested from Hassan Lok Sabha segment, defended his move to leave the country, stating his trip was preplanned. "At that time, there was no case against me, and SIT was also not formed."
Son of former minister HD Revanna, Prajwal extended an
apology
to his family, party supporters and people of the state. "Firstly, I apologize to my parents, my grandfather, Kumaraswamy and my party workers and the people of the state. I have come before you to share information, as I had not disclosed as to where I'm
abroad
. Let the blessings of God, people, and my family be upon me. After arriving, I'll endeavuor to put an end to all this. Keep faith in me."
Prajwal left India on April 27, a day after Hassan went to polls. A blue-corner notice seeking information on his whereabouts has been issued by Interpol, following a request by the SIT via the Central Bureau of Investigation.
'Hassan Chalo' on May 30
Several human rights organizations have come together under the banner of 'Naveddu Nilladiddare (If we don't stand up) - Karnataka' to organize a rally called 'Hassan Chalo' on May 30. They are seeking justice for victims of
sexual crimes
that came to the fore after sleaze videos allegedly involving Prajwal became public.
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