‘She stood like a rock’: SIT chief hails survivor’s courage in Prajwal Revanna rape case; defence tried every trick to derail trial, says BK Singh

BENGALURU: Special investigation team (SIT) chiefn Friday hailed the courage displayed by the rape survivor in the Prajwal Revanna case.

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"The survivor stood like a rock. The defence tried every possible way to derail the proceedings, but she never wavered, even during gruelling eight-hour cross-examinations," IPS officer Singh said at a press briefing. He called the survivor, who comes from an underprivileged background, "fundamental to the case and trial."


The SIT faced challenges in gathering evidence since the offences had occurred nearly four years before the survivor filed her complaint. "Despite the time gap, her testimony proved crucial. We ensured meticulous and scientific evidence collection, leaving no room for procedural lapses," Singh added.

The SIT chief said the investigation involved 26 witnesses, 180 documents, and several pieces of material evidence. "Despite persistent attempts by the defence to obstruct the trial, we faced no external interference," Singh said, adding: "There was absolutely no pressure from anyone. The govt gave us a free hand to conduct a professional and scientific probe."

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IPS officer Suman D Pennekar, who supervised the investigation, echoed Singh's sentiments. "Even if there was pressure, it never reached us. We could carry out our work with complete honesty and professionalism," she said. Singh also highlighted the swift pace of the judicial process. "The judgment has come in just one year and three months after the case was registered in April 2023. Prajwal has been convicted on all counts," he said.

(The victim's identity has not been revealed to protect her privacy as per Supreme Court directives on cases related to sexual assault)