Karnataka High Court Halts Charge Framing in Sexual Assault Video Case Involving Ex-JD(S) MP Revanna
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Bengaluru, Jan 9 (NationPress) The Karnataka High Court on Thursday issued instructions to suspend the charge framing process against Prajwal Revanna, the former JD(S) MP and grandson of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, in a widely publicized sexual assault video case.
The bench, presided over by Justice M. Nagaprasanna, has ordered the lower court to refrain from framing charges against the accused, who is currently held in Bengaluru Central Jail, until January 16. Previously, the charge framing was set for January 13.
This order was issued while considering a petition from Prajwal Revanna. The bench has instructed the trial court to proceed with hearings in the case until January 16.
In his petition, Prajwal Revanna requested access to documents and electronic evidence, including photos and videos allegedly taken from his driver.
The driver reportedly copied private videos and images from Prajwal Revanna's personal mobile device.
Additional Special Public Prosecutor B.N. Jagadeesha informed the High Court that pen drives and DVDs had already been handed over to Prajwal Revanna, who is now demanding all data retrieved from the phone.
Jagadeesha further argued that Prajwal Revanna's request appears to be a tactic to delay the trial.
Prajwal Revanna’s attorney contended that he was not given all necessary reports. The bench questioned the need for this information, highlighting the privacy concerns of several women involved.
The prosecution has charged Prajwal Revanna under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 354 (A) (sexual harassment), 354 (B) (criminal force on a woman with intent to disrobe), 354 (C) (watching or capturing a woman's image during a private act), and 376 (2)(N) (aggravated rape by public servants), among others, as well as Section 66 (E) of the IT Act.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the case has submitted a detailed 1,691-page charge sheet to the Special Court for MLAs/MPs.
This charge sheet states that the victim was assaulted at gunpoint, with video evidence captured during the incident. The victim was subjected to repeated sexual assaults under the threat of public exposure of the videos.
It was noted that the victim had refrained from filing a complaint due to fear.
