The Special Investigation Team (SIT) Chief, B.K. Singh, in an exclusive interview with News18, has revealed the intricate and innovative methods used to crack the high-profile rape case against former MP Prajwal Revanna. Singh emphasized the absence of political interference and the significant challenges faced in gathering evidence due to the victims' fear of Revanna's influential family and prevailing social stigma.

According to News18, the turning point in the investigation came through the use of advanced body mark technology, a method akin to fingerprinting. A crucial court order allowed the SIT to gather evidence linking Prajwal's private body parts to the rape videos, even when his face was not visible in the leaked footage. The SIT presented provisions of the Prisoners Identification Act, which was overhauled in 2022, to the court to get permission to take photographs of the accused. The court agreed with the demand and passed a judicial order, ensuring the secrecy and privacy of the accused would be maintained and the responsibility would lie with the investigating agency.

In an interview with TNM, B.K. Singh and Suman Pennekar detailed their unconventional approach to the Prajwal Revanna case. They obtained a court order to photograph the accused's unique body marks for a scientific match to the videos, a technique Singh compared to fingerprinting.

Singh also highlighted the crucial support given to the victims, who were initially distraught, with the help of counselors and their own families. He noted the victim's poor socio-economic background, contrasting it with the accused's political, economic, and social power. The victim's courage and firmness in pursuing justice were highly appreciated.

According to The Times of India, Singh stated that the survivor stood like a rock during the trial, and the defense tried every possible way to derail the proceedings, but she never wavered, even during gruelling eight-hour cross-examinations.

According to News18, Singh confirmed that Prajwal's diplomatic passport was cancelled, leaving him no option but to return from Germany, where he had fled.

Singh praised the survivor's courage, noting that she stood firm despite the odds, appeared in court, and gave her statement. He believes that the judgment will bring hope and peace to many victims in society.

The SIT chief said the investigation involved 26 witnesses, 180 documents, and several pieces of material evidence. Despite persistent attempts by the defense to obstruct the trial, the SIT faced no external interference. The government gave them a free hand to conduct a professional and scientific probe.

IPS officer Suman D Pennekar, who supervised the investigation, echoed Singh's sentiments, stating that even if there was pressure, it never reached them, and they could carry out their work with complete honesty and professionalism. Singh also highlighted the swift pace of the judicial process, noting that the judgment came in just one year and three months after the case was registered in April 2023 and that Prajwal has been convicted on all counts.

The CID is handling six cases against Prajwal Revanna.