Bengaluru: Officials from the Special Investigation Team (SIT) have recommended a ‘manhood test’ for former Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna, in connection with an ongoing sexual assault case. A preliminary medical examination was conducted on Monday.
Prajwal’s medical examination took place at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical Research Institute, located on the Bowring Hospital campus. During the examination, sperm, pubic hair, and blood samples were collected for the proposed manhood test. The SIT plans to conduct this test pending court approval. A specialized team of experts will be assembled to perform and evaluate the test, with their findings to be submitted to the SIT.
Prajwal was transported to Bowring Hospital by ambulance from the CID headquarters at around 11:30 am. After a medical examination lasting over three hours, he was returned to the CID office for further questioning. The manhood test is deemed necessary to establish the accused’s physical ability to perform sexual acts, which is crucial in a rape investigation.
Additionally, the SIT has confiscated a pillow and mattress from Prajwal’s residence in Hassan, finding traces of hair and sperm. These items are expected to play a significant role in the ongoing investigation. The SIT has been questioning Prajwal for three consecutive days since his arrest, although he has consistently denied the allegations and has not provided satisfactory answers.
Due to objections raised by doctors at Bowring Hospital, the SIT has sought court permission to conduct a repeat medical examination of Prajwal. The doctors indicated that some of the required tests could not be performed without legal authorization, which the SIT is now seeking from the court. The court has instructed Prajwal to cooperate fully with the SIT’s investigation and medical examinations.
In a unique development, the SIT may allow Prajwal, who is also the JDS candidate for Hassan, to watch television to follow the Lok Sabha election results. This follows Prajwal’s request to the court for permission to watch TV on the election results day. Consequently, the authorities might permit him to view news channels for a few hours in the SIT chief’s chamber.
The SIT has formally informed the Lok Sabha Speaker about Prajwal Revanna’s arrest, forwarding the report to the Speaker’s office through Karnataka Bhavan officials in Delhi.