Bengaluru: JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna, facing sexual abuse allegations, announced in a video that he will appear before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on May 31 to address the charges. Revanna asserted that the accusations against him are baseless.

Reacting to the announcement, JD(S) leader and former Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, Prajwal’s uncle, expressed relief that his nephew was "returning to the country following appeals from party workers."

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara stated that Revanna will be arrested upon his return.

Revanna, seeking reelection from Karnataka's Hassan Lok Sabha seat, left the country soon after the constituency voted on April 26. The SIT, through the CBI, requested Interpol to issue a 'Blue Corner' notice to locate him.

In the video, Revanna apologized in Kannada to his parents, grandfather, Kumaraswamy, the people of Karnataka, and party workers for not disclosing his whereabouts. He explained that his trip abroad had been planned before any case was filed against him and that he left after the elections, only learning of the charges later.

Revanna described his emotional turmoil upon discovering the allegations and the subsequent SIT notice, which he responded to via social media and his lawyer, seeking a week's time. He cited political conspiracy and campaigning by Congress leaders against him as reasons for his depression and isolation.

He pledged to fully cooperate with the SIT investigation, expressing confidence in the judiciary and his eventual exoneration.

On April 28, the Congress-led Karnataka government formed an SIT to probe the allegations against Revanna, following a referral from the state women’s commission. The SIT has registered three FIRs under rape charges against him.

Revanna’s grandfather, former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, had urged him in a letter to return and face the investigation, warning of family estrangement if he did not comply.

Following the release of the video, Kumaraswamy noted that they were somewhat relieved by Revanna’s decision to return. State Home Minister Parameshwara welcomed the move and criticized the central government for not assisting in bringing Revanna back, despite promises to cancel his diplomatic passport.