Bengaluru: The investigation into the alleged use of a mobile phone by jailed former MP Prajwal Revanna has taken a fresh turn, with the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) reportedly recovering 173 video files from a pen drive seized during the probe.
According to the findings emerging from the investigation, more than 100 of the videos were allegedly obscene, while three videos reportedly featured Prajwal himself. Police are examining the digital material as part of their probe into how a mobile phone and other electronic devices allegedly reached him inside Parappana Agrahara Central Prison.
FSL report reveals details from seized devices
Police investigating the alleged possession and use of a mobile phone by Prajwal Revanna have received the FSL report containing data recovered from the device and a pen drive.
The forensic examination reportedly identified 173 video files on the pen drive. Of these, more than 100 were allegedly obscene in nature. Three videos were reportedly found to feature Prajwal himself.
The discovery has become a significant part of the investigation, with officers examining the nature of the videos, how they were accessed and whether they were viewed while Prajwal was in prison.
Only some of the video files have reportedly been successfully retrieved so far. Investigators are expected to examine the remaining digital material as forensic recovery progresses.
Probe into mobile phone use inside prison
The investigation was initiated after a mobile phone was reportedly found in Prajwal Revanna’s possession while he was lodged in Parappana Agrahara Central Prison.
Police suspect that a prison warder allegedly facilitated the delivery of the phone to him. The role of the warder and others who may have helped arrange the device is being investigated.
According to information emerging from the probe, Prajwal allegedly paid Rs 1 lakh to obtain the mobile phone, while another Rs 50,000 was reportedly paid to procure a SIM card.
The phone was allegedly used to communicate with several people, including young women. Investigators have reportedly found indications that Prajwal made video calls with several women using the device.
The call records and other digital information recovered from the phone are now being examined to establish the sequence of events and identify those who communicated with him.
Women may be questioned over video calls
Investigators are likely to question Prajwal Revanna again based on the material recovered during the forensic examination.
Police are also expected to issue notices to women who allegedly had video calls with him and record their statements as part of the investigation. The purpose will be to establish the nature and circumstances of the communications and determine whether they are connected to the alleged misuse of the mobile phone inside the prison.
Officials are also examining the call details and other information available from the device.
The investigation could result in further questioning of people who may have had knowledge of the phone’s use or its alleged delivery to the prison inmate.
CCB raid led to recovery of devices
Earlier, during a Central Crime Branch (CCB) raid, a mobile phone and a pen drive were reportedly recovered.
Some videos were subsequently retrieved from the mobile phone, while the pen drive contained a much larger collection of video files. The FSL examination has now provided investigators with additional digital evidence that could help establish how the devices were used.
The forensic findings are expected to be compared with call records, device data and other evidence collected during the investigation.
The role of prison personnel allegedly connected with the incident is also under scrutiny. If the investigation establishes that officials knowingly helped facilitate unauthorised access to a mobile phone or other prohibited material, action could follow.
Investigation continues
The Parappana Agrahara police are continuing their investigation into the alleged mobile phone use and the circumstances surrounding the recovery of the electronic devices.
The latest forensic findings have added another dimension to the case, with investigators now examining the 173 video files, the alleged video calls and the circumstances in which the mobile phone and SIM card were obtained.
Prajwal Revanna is already facing several criminal cases. However, the latest allegations arising from the digital evidence remain part of an ongoing investigation and have not been established as facts by a court.