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The special investigation team used a cutting-edge forensic method involving anatomical comparison of genital features
A major hurdle for the SIT was that none of the videos showed Revanna’s face. They only captured his hands, the lower part of his body, and his voice, speaking in a hushed tone. File image/PTI
In a landmark verdict, former Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna has been sentenced to life imprisonment for sexual assault, despite the primary evidence against him being explicit videos that did not show his face. The conviction, handed down in just over a year, results from a meticulous investigation by a special investigation team (SIT) that overcame significant challenges, including a lack of clear visual evidence.
The case began in April last year when thousands of pen drives containing obscene videos were distributed across Karnataka’s Hassan district during the parliamentary elections. The state government swiftly formed an SIT on April 28, following which four survivors came forward to file complaints.
BK Singh, head of the SIT, explained the details of the investigation. “Six cases were initially registered against Revanna,” he said. “Five cases have been fully investigated, and a charge sheet has been filed, with one case leading to the recent conviction.” Singh added that the trial, which began in January, was fast-tracked as per a Supreme Court directive for cases involving public representatives.
A major hurdle for the SIT was that none of the videos showed Revanna’s face. They only captured his hands, the lower part of his body, and his voice, speaking in a hushed tone. When Revanna was taken into custody, investigators had to scientifically prove that the man in the videos was indeed him. They used a cutting-edge forensic technique involving anatomical comparison of genital features.
This method, increasingly used by law enforcement globally, involves comparing a suspect’s private parts to images found in evidence. It’s a technique used to identify cybercriminals in child pornography cases. The SIT compared the anatomical features seen in the videos with those of Revanna to establish his identity.
Singh praised the courage of the survivors, many of whom came from socially disadvantaged backgrounds, while Revanna held a powerful position in society. “The survivors stood by us and were instrumental in this verdict,” Singh stated. He also asserted that there was no political pressure on the SIT during the investigation.
“We did face challenges, but no political pressure,” he said. “We collected scientific evidence and submitted it to the court in the correct order. The court has upheld our charge sheet, and we are happy about that.”
In addition to Revanna’s conviction, a separate case has been registered against those who released the pen drives and videos, with a charge sheet expected soon. Revanna, who was denied bail during the trial, has the option to challenge the verdict in the High Court and, subsequently, the Supreme Court. The court also considered the act of recording the videos during the assault as a serious offence, contributing to the severe sentence.
The judge’s ruling serves as a powerful message about justice for survivors of sexual assault, regardless of the social standing of the accused.
Harish Upadhya, an Assistant Editor at CNN-News18, reports from Bengaluru. Political reporting is his forte. He also tracks India’s space journey, and is passionate about environmental reporting and RTI investi…Read More
Harish Upadhya, an Assistant Editor at CNN-News18, reports from Bengaluru. Political reporting is his forte. He also tracks India’s space journey, and is passionate about environmental reporting and RTI investi… Read More
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