Prajwal Revanna sex scandal: Karnataka in turmoil; here's what we know so far

The controversy surrounding the obscene video involving Prajwal Revanna, grandson of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda and suspended JD(S) leader, persisted in Karnataka's political arena on Thursday.

The scandalous video, which depicts sexual harassment and abuse of women, has sent shockwaves through the state's political circles just before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Here’s what we know so far:

• A special investigation team on Thursday issued a lookout notice for suspended JD(S) functionary. Prajwal’s counsel G Arun in a one-page letter to additional director general of police, CID-SIT requested seven days’ time for the MP to appear before SIT since he is out of Bengaluru.
• SIT issued summons to Prajwal to appear before it for questioning, failing which they would declare him an “absconder”
• The Karnataka government established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) within the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on April 28 to probe the accusations against Prajwal Revanna. This action was taken in response to multiple complaints filed by several women, which led to the registration of an FIR against Revanna on the same day.
• According to reports, Revanna, who is a Lok Sabha NDA candidate, departed from the country on April 27, possibly anticipating his impending arrest in connection with the allegations leveled against him.
• The formation of the SIT and the filing of the FIR underscore the seriousness of the charges and the government's commitment to thoroughly investigate the matter.

The Political Row
The Janata Dal (Secular) has formed an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the upcoming elections, triggering a scathing attack from the Congress party in the wake of the accusations against Prajwal Revanna.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his silence on the issue. "The leader on whose shoulder the PM puts his hand and gets himself photographed, the leader for whom the PM himself goes to campaign 10 days before the election. He praises him on the stage

Amit Shah, the Union home minister, countered the allegations, stressing the BJP's position against crimes committed against women. Shah questioned the Congress-led government's failure to take action in Karnataka before the allegations came to light.

"We have an alliance with the JD(S). Now Revanna's CD has come. They thought they could corner the BJP. I am making it clear here BJP cannot remain with those who commit atrocities against women." Shah said.