All-women police escort for rape accused Prajwal Revanna in solidarity with victims
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In a move to demonstrate solidarity with survivors and underscore the seriousness of the accusations, the Karnataka police have assigned only female officers to escort Prajwal Revanna, a high-profile rape suspect.
Prajwal, grandson of former Prime Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) patriarch HD Deve Gowda, was detained on May 31 at Bengaluru International Airport after fleeing the country on April 26. He was apprehended by immigration officials and the Central Industrial Security Force and subsequently handed over to the Special Investigation Team (SIT).
Five women police officers, including a Superintendent of Police, escorted Prajwal from the airport. This is intended to convey a strong message about the government's stance on the allegations and its support for the survivors.
The authorities have planned for Prajwal to be accompanied exclusively by female officers during all public appearances, including a scheduled medical examination at Bowring Hospital and his presentation before the Magistrate.
Following his detention, Prajwal was taken to the CID Headquarters at Carlton House on Palace Road. Despite his demands for special privileges, citing his status as a Member of Parliament, the police have denied these requests.
Prajwal has been placed in a regular cell without any additional amenities, to show that he will not receive any special treatment while in custody.
The police have also mandated that Prajwal will not be allowed to cover his face while being escorted in public. This decision aims to emphasize the gravity of his charges and further express support for the victims.
Prajwal faces serious accusations of raping four women and recording sexual acts with more than 70 women, with nearly 3,000 videos allegedly captured. Some of these videos were reportedly circulated in Hassan district before the elections, where Prajwal is seeking re-election as an MP.