Court orders SIT probe into threat to witness in Prajwal Revanna rape case

A witness in a rape case against former MP Prajwal Revanna has alleged that she was threatened by supporters of the accused outside a Bengaluru court. The Special Court of Sessions for criminal cases against former and present MPs and MLAs, which is hearing the matter, has directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to inquire into the incident and submit a report.

The SIT, led by Additional Director-General of Police B.K. Singh, has been asked to investigate the alleged threats, identify those responsible, and take appropriate action. The court's order came after the witness, a social worker, reported the intimidation when she appeared to depose in the case.

The witness is a social worker who had helped the first alleged victim in the case—a former househelp at the Revanna family's residence in Holenarsipur—come forward and file a complaint. That complaint led to the formation of the SIT and subsequent registration of multiple cases against Mr. Revanna.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the witness claimed that individuals supporting the accused had used their influence to cause trouble at her workplace and threatened her outside the court premises. The sources said the identities of those who issued the threats are yet to be established, and the investigation will cover this aspect.

Mr. Revanna, a former JD(S) MP from Hassan, is facing charges of sexual assault and rape in several cases. The allegations surfaced after explicit video recordings allegedly involving him went viral in April 2024. Following an arrest warrant, he fled to Germany but was later arrested upon his return to Bengaluru in May 2024. He is currently lodged at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison.

In a related development, Mr. Revanna recently courted controversy when sleuths from the Central Crime Branch (CCB) of Bengaluru City Police allegedly caught him using a mobile phone and in possession of a pen drive inside the prison. Authorities have said they are investigating how such items were obtained and whether they are linked to the ongoing investigation.

The case has drawn significant public attention, with concerns raised about the safety and security of witnesses in sensitive sexual offence cases. Legal experts and activists have often pointed out that witnesses face threats and intimidation, which can deter them from deposing in court and undermine the justice process.

The SIT has been directed to submit its report to the court, which will then decide on further course of action. Meanwhile, the witness's safety remains a priority, and the court's order is seen as a measure to ensure that she can testify without fear.

This development comes amid broader scrutiny of the criminal justice system's handling of cases involving influential individuals. The court's decision to order a probe into the alleged threats demonstrates a commitment to protecting the integrity of the trial and upholding the rule of law.