Daijiworld Media Network - Hassan
Hassan, March 18: In a major development in the obscene video circulation case involving former MP Prajwal Revanna, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has filed a voluminous 13,712-page charge sheet before the senior civil court in Hassan, shedding fresh light on a scandal that has triggered significant political controversy in Karnataka.
The investigation was launched following a complaint by advocate Poornachandra, who served as a JD(S) election agent during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. According to the SIT, the charge sheet names 52 individuals, of whom charges have been substantiated against 39, indicating substantial evidence against a majority of the accused.
The probe records statements from 277 witnesses, underlining the scale and complexity of the case. Investigators have also uncovered that the accused allegedly purchased around 70 pen drives to circulate the obscene videos, with procurement traced to Hassan itself — pointing to a locally organised distribution network.
Key accused and political links
Naveen has been identified as the prime accused, while Karthik, the driver of Prajwal Revanna, is listed as the second accused. BJP leader Devaraje Gowda has been named as the eighth accused. Notably, the list of accused includes individuals linked to both the BJP and the Congress, adding a sharp political dimension to the case.
Complainant alleges omissions
Expressing dissatisfaction, complainant Poornachandra alleged that the SIT had dropped certain key names from the charge sheet. “The kingpin behind this case must be identified and exposed before the public,” he said, calling for deeper scrutiny.
He further alleged that the distribution of pen drives during the Lok Sabha elections was part of a deliberate conspiracy to defeat the JD(S) candidate, with devices being circulated “street by street”. While welcoming the SIT’s action based on his complaint filed at the CEN police station, he insisted that further investigation is essential and urged authorities to file a supplementary charge sheet.
“Thirty-nine accused may be punished, but influential persons involved must also come to light. The probe must proceed without any pressure,” he said, adding that he is prepared to depose before the court. He also demanded government protection for witnesses.
Devaraje Gowda hits back
Reacting strongly, BJP leader and accused Devaraje Gowda claimed he had been wrongfully implicated. “This case has already created a major political sensation, and the public is aware of who is involved,” he asserted.
He questioned how the pen drive first reached a private television channel, alleging that this critical aspect had not been probed. He also pointed to a viral audio clip of L R Shivaramegowda discussing pen drive preparation and distribution in Hassan, claiming investigators failed to examine it seriously.
According to him, despite the SIT being constituted by the state government, the case was being used as a political tool to target a particular family. “Whoever is guilty must bow before the law and face punishment,” he said.
“My mobile phone and computer were seized. There is a possibility that something could have been inserted into them,” he alleged, raising concerns over evidence handling.
He further claimed that Karthik Gowda is the real kingpin, and alleged that names of key individuals, including Preetham Gowda, were missing from the charge sheet. He also questioned why alleged distribution at Hotel Ashoka was not investigated, why MP Shreyas Patel was not issued notice, and why the role of then SP Mohammed Sujeetha was not examined.
Accusing the SIT of acting under Congress influence, he said, “The real distributors of the pen drives are not named in the charge sheet.” He announced plans to move the High Court of Karnataka with a writ petition seeking an investigation against the officers who conducted the probe.