The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has filed a third chargesheet against Prajwal Revanna, former MP from the Janata Dal (Secular) (JD(S)), accusing him of sexually assaulting a former party functionary over a period of four years. The case, which has garnered widespread attention, involves allegations of multiple instances of rape, threats, and blackmail, with a 1,691-page chargesheet detailing the extent of the crimes.
The Charges Against Prajwal Revanna
According to the chargesheet, Prajwal is accused of sexually assaulting the victim multiple times between February 2020 and December 2023. The document, which includes testimony from 120 witnesses, outlines how Prajwal allegedly recorded videos of his assaults and used them to blackmail and repeatedly assault the woman.
The chargesheet details four distinct incidents of rape, taking place at two different locations: Revanna’s residence, Channambika Nilaya in Holenarasipura, and his office in Hassan. The former MP has been charged under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including:
- Section 376 (2)(N) for repeated rape
- Section 354(A)(1)(2) for sexual harassment
- Section 506 for criminal intimidation
- Section 354(B) for assault with intent to disrobe a woman
- Section 354(C) for voyeurism
- Section 201 for destruction of evidence
Additionally, he has been charged under Section 66(e) of the Information Technology Act for violating the victim’s privacy by recording and distributing private videos.
The First Incident in 2020
The chargesheet notes that the victim, a former elected member of the JD(S), first approached Prajwal in early 2020. Seeking assistance with securing hostel seats for BCM (Backward Class) girls in the hostels run by the Backward Classes Welfare Department, the woman visited Prajwal’s office. It was here, according to the chargesheet, that the former MP began his campaign of sexual violence and coercion.
The chargesheet states that Prajwal took the victim to a room on the upper floor of his office on the pretext of a private conversation. Once there, he threatened her by claiming he would have her husband killed if she did not comply. He forced her to remove her clothes, proceeded to grope her, and then raped her. To further terrorise her, Prajwal allegedly filmed the assault on his phone while concealing his face.
Continued Blackmail and Assault
Two days after the initial assault, Prajwal summoned the victim back to his office. According to the chargesheet, he threatened to release the video if she resisted his advances. The document details how Prajwal used these recordings to repeatedly blackmail the woman into sexual submission. Over the next few months, Prajwal continued to exploit the victim, calling her from different phone numbers and demanding she not save any of them.
In one particularly disturbing instance, the chargesheet alleges that Prajwal video-called the victim and demanded that she undress and wear lingerie of his choice. He reportedly took screenshots of these calls while concealing his own identity. These images were later used to further intimidate and manipulate the victim into compliance.
The chargesheet further notes that Prajwal called the victim multiple times, each time threatening to harm her husband and family if she did not comply with his demands. This pattern of threats, manipulation, and coercion continued over the next several years, culminating in the victim eventually coming forward with her allegations.
The Victim’s Struggle
The chargesheet paints a grim picture of the psychological toll the repeated assaults took on the victim. Fearful for her family’s safety and trapped by the constant threat of exposure, the victim endured years of abuse at the hands of Prajwal. The SIT has gathered substantial evidence, including digital footprints, phone records, and witness statements, to corroborate the victim’s account of the abuse.
Legal Consequences and Next Steps
The filing of this third chargesheet marks a significant step in the legal proceedings against Prajwal Revanna. Given the gravity of the charges, Prajwal is likely to face severe legal consequences if convicted. The case also highlights the ongoing issue of sexual exploitation and abuse of power by individuals in positions of authority.
The charges brought against Prajwal are grave, and the evidence presented in the chargesheet appears substantial. However, the judicial process will need to run its course before any final judgment is made.
Conclusion
This case against former JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna stands as a stark reminder of the abuse of power and the vulnerability of individuals seeking help from those in authority. As the legal proceedings unfold, the strength of the charges and the detailed nature of the evidence indicate a challenging road ahead for Prajwal and a long-awaited pursuit of justice for the victim.