Suspended JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna seeks bail | News about Prajwal Revanna

 

Karnataka MP Prajwal Revanna under scrutiny over multiple rape allegations, amid protests and intense scrutiny

Karnataka MP Prajwal Revanna is at the centre of significant controversy, with multiple rape allegations levelled against him, sparking public outrage and an intense probe by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Karnataka police.

Background and allegations:

Prajwal Revanna, 33, who represents the JD(S) from Hassan, is accused in three separate cases of rape. These allegations surfaced soon after the second phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and were further fuelled by the release of incriminating videos depicting incidents of sexual assault. Revanna left the country on April 27 and is currently expected to return from Munich, Germany, on May 31.

Protests and public response:

The allegations against Revanna have sparked widespread protests across Karnataka, including the notable "Hassan Chalo" movement. Activists and citizens from various sectors have come together demanding justice for the victims and demanding accountability. These protests are not only against Revanna but also seek to highlight and combat the broader issue of sexual abuse.

SIT investigation and evidence collection:

The SIT has made significant progress in gathering evidence against Revanna. Investigators have collected a substantial amount of circumstantial evidence, including video recordings of the alleged assaults. These videos, allegedly filmed by Revanna himself, are at the centre of the investigation. The SIT is working to retrieve the original device, an iPhone, on which these recordings were made. Extensive crime scene mapping has been carried out to verify the locations where the incidents allegedly took place.

The key evidence includes over 2,900 video clips found on a pen drive, which were allegedly leaked by Revanna's political rivals. Although Revanna's face is not visible in these videos, the SIT is using physical features and voice recognition to establish his involvement. Additionally, cell phone tower data is being analysed to match the movements of Revanna and the victims on the days of the attack.

Legal proceedings and anticipated arrest:

An arrest warrant has been issued for Revanna, and the SIT is prepared to take him into custody upon his arrival in Bengaluru. The warrant was secured on May 18 after substantial evidence collection and testimony from over a dozen witnesses present at the MP's quarters in Hassan and his family's residences in Bengaluru and Hassan.

Revanna has applied for anticipatory bail in all three cases, the hearing of which is scheduled for May 31, just hours after his expected return. The move indicates a high possibility of his arrest upon arrival.

Victims' statements and additional evidence:

The primary evidence against Revanna comes from the statements of three victims, which led to the filing of the FIR. One of the victims has alleged that she was assaulted at Revanna's family residence in Bengaluru and his quarters in Hassan. The SIT has seized beds, cots and furniture from these locations to corroborate the statements of the victims and support the investigation.

Technical efforts and challenges:

The investigation extends to analysing data stored on iCloud servers, tracing the digital footprint of the sex videos. The SIT is also pursuing the car driver Karthik N, who allegedly stole and distributed the videos. Karthik, who had a quarrel with Revanna over a property dispute, is accused of transferring the videos via AirDrop and has been absconding since the dispute began.

Conclusion:

The case against Prajwal Revanna is unfolding with significant legal, social and political implications. As the SIT continues its intense investigation and public protest maintains pressure for justice, the outcome of this case will be closely watched, potentially setting a precedent for the way allegations against public figures are dealt with in India.