BENGALURU: The survivor in the rape case stood firm like a rock and extended full cooperation to the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which resulted in the conviction, said BK Singh, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), under whose supervision the SIT is probing the cases. He added, “Those who circulated pen drives in Hassan will be sternly dealt with.”
Addressing a press conference following the verdict in the rape case on Saturday evening at the CID office, Singh said, “The victim in this case belonged to a marginalised community, with a poor socio-economic background. In contrast, the accused was politically, economically, and socially powerful. Yet, driven by her desire for justice, the victim stood firm with us for one year. It is because of her determination that we secured this conviction.”
He added that several individuals, including the accused’s lawyers, allegedly attempted to delay the verdict, but they were unsuccessful.
Singh said the SIT relied on biological, technical, digital, mobile, and scientific evidence to corroborate the survivor’s statement. He clarified that while the SIT faced no external pressure, there were challenges in the investigation, especially since the incident occurred four years before the complaint was filed.
The ADGP added, “Our team consisted mostly of women officers. Investigating Officer (IO) Shobha led the inquiry; senior officer Suman supervised it, and officer Mamatha not only assisted in the investigation but also handled court proceedings. From arrest to trial, they were the flag bearers of this case.”
He further added that among the five cases with the SIT related to Prajwal Revanna and his father, former minister and Holenarasipura MLA HD Revanna, one case from KR Nagar has resulted in a conviction, and two others are currently in the trial stage.
“The people who circulated the videos and photographs of the rape victims, whether through pen drives or other digital formats, will be sternly dealt with. The police have seized over 100 laptops, mobile phones, and pen drives. The chargesheet will be filed within the next two weeks,” Singh said.
BK Singh also revealed that the SIT has received information suggesting that several more women may have allegedly been assaulted by Prajwal Revanna, but they have not yet come forward. However, they may feel encouraged after the court decision.