'Defence tried to derail the trial but victim stood her ground': SIT chief lauds rape survivor in Prajwal Revanna case

She stood like a rock and was fundamental to the case and trial, said Special Investigation Team (SIT) chief BK Singh, on the brave survivor who was raped and threatened by ex-JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna.

Singh addressed a press briefing in Bengaluru shortly after a court sentenced Prajwal to life imprisonment in the rape case.

“During the trial, 26 witnesses, 180 documents and material evidence were presented before the court,” Singh said.

“The survivor stood like a rock and was fundamental to the trial and the judgment. The defence in every step tried to derail the trial in every way possible, but was ultimately unsuccessful.

"The witness was cross-examined sometimes eight hours a day on average. The victim was from the lowest strata of society, while the accused was extremely powerful. Despite all this, she was brave and stood her ground,” he added.

Singh reiterated that there was no pressure from anyone, and the government directed them to probe the case, and they did it professionally and scientifically.

“Some interesting facts in this case would be that the judgment was passed in one year and three months after the first case was registered in April 2023, and that Prajwal was found guilty on all the charges against him,” Singh said.

“Some challenges were that the offence occurred nearly four years before the case was registered. Despite this, the victim's statement proved important, and the collection of evidence was scientific. Every evidence was produced promptly to the court,” he added.

IPS officer Suman D Pennekar, who directly oversaw the investigation, said: “There wasn’t any kind of pressure. Even if there was, it didn’t reach either the investigation officer or the supervisor, which allowed us to do our job honestly and professionally."

Shobha N, police inspector (PI), women police station, (East division, Bengaluru city police) was the investigating officer in the case directly overseen by IPS officers Suman and Seema Latkar.

The team also consisted of Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Rathnamma, Head Constable Balakrishna Y, PI Nandeesh, ASI Mamatha and constables Jaffar Sadiq Khan and Kashinath Karalatti.

Status of other cases against Prajwal

Alleged rape of ex-ZP member (CID police station) – trial has begun

Sexual harassment and stalking of house help (Holenarasipura Town PS) – cognisance stage, father HD Revanna is a co-accused.

Sexual harassment and disrobing of a woman (CID cybcercrime police station) – Hearing Before Charge (HBC) stage