We will register extra circumstances if survivors come ahead even now, says SIT Chief B.Ok. Singh

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is prepared to file extra circumstances if different survivors of sexual abuse and rape come ahead, taking braveness from the judgment within the first case in opposition to former MP for Hassan Prajwal Revanna, mentioned SIT chief B.Ok. Singh.

Mr. Singh, Additional Director-General of Police (ADGP), Criminal Investigation Department (CID), addressing a press convention following the sentencing of Prajwal for rape on Saturday, mentioned there have been many survivors who didn’t lodge a grievance.

“We hope the decision within the case, awarding most punishment to the accused in a single 12 months and 4 months after the case was registered, will give some solace to all of the survivors who didn’t step ahead and file a grievance. If these survivors lodge complaints even now, we are going to guide circumstances,” Mr. Singh mentioned.

There have been over 2,900 express clips of almost 100 ladies within the cache of clips allegedly recorded by Prajwal, leaked in Hassan on April 22, 2024. Of them, solely 4 ladies got here ahead and lodged complaints resulting in 4 circumstances — three of rape and one sexual harassment. 

Mr. Singh mentioned the sufferer within the case was from the bottom strata of society, socially and economically, whereas the accused was from probably the most highly effective political household of the State. “Ensuring justice is delivered in such a case in a short while, with out the accused getting bail in any respect, has given us satisfaction. The accused has been convicted in all prices we made in opposition to him within the cost sheet,” he mentioned.

Apart from the sufferer “with out whom this was not doable”, he credited his crew of investigating officer police inspector Shobha N., supervising officer Suman D. Pennekar and different officers of the SIT, prosecutors Ashok Nayak and B. N. Jagadeesha for the success. “Barring a number of, together with me, the SIT was principally led by ladies officers,” he mentioned. 

Challenging investigation

Mr. Singh mentioned the investigation was difficult as each situations of the crime occurred in 2021 and the case registered solely in 2024. “There have been many challenges owing to this delay. However, we collected organic, technical, digital, cell and scientific proof and this helped us,” he mentioned. 

Forensic reviews had confirmed that the person within the video, although his face was not seen, was certainly Prajwal. The sufferer had left her garments in a wardrobe and evaluation of them discovered DNA of Prajwal. 

Responding to questions, Mr. Singh mentioned he was beneath no stress from any quarter throughout the investigation. Ms. Pennekar mentioned that she was the supervising officer and there was no stress both means. “It was knowledgeable, impartial investigation based mostly on scientific and technical proof,” she mentioned. 

Those who leaked video

Mr. Singh mentioned that the investigation into who leaked the express clips was accomplished and the chargesheet was being finalised. “In this case, we’ve got seized over 100 computer systems, cellphones, pen drives, and laborious disks. Forensic evaluation reviews of all these gadgets have taken time. Now all reviews have come and the chargesheet is being finalised. We will file it within the subsequent two weeks,” he mentioned.