Serious allegations of rape omitted from FIR against Prajwal Revanna: Social Activists
Hassan: A group of social activists from Karnataka have written to the DGP of Karnataka Police alleging serious lapses in the investigation on the part of the police. The letter states that the FIR filed against Prajwal Revanna at the Holenarasipura Police Station has revealed glaring omissions, potentially weakening the case against the accused.
The letter mentions that the complaint, lodged by a 47-year-old woman, alleges sexual assault and harassment by Prajwal Revanna, son of former minister HD Revanna and current MP. Despite the serious nature of the allegations, the FIR registered under crime number 107/2024 failed to include sections related to rape, raising concerns about the thoroughness of the investigation.
The victim's complaint detailed harrowing incidents of abuse during her employment at HD Revanna's residence, where Prajwal Revanna allegedly subjected her to repeated sexual assaults and harassment. Shockingly, the FIR only listed sections 354a, 354d, 506, and 509 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), neglecting to include charges of rape despite compelling evidence provided by the complainant.
Further examination of the evidence, including videos purportedly showing instances of sexual assault, suggests a disturbing pattern of behavior by the accused. While some videos depict consensual activity, others reportedly show acts performed against the women's will, indicating potential instances of rape. However, the absence of corresponding charges in the FIR raises questions about the integrity of the investigation process.
Moreover, the complaint alleges that Prajwal Revanna not only targeted the complainant but also subjected her daughter to sexual harassment. Despite these serious allegations, the FIR only mentions one victim, overlooking the plight of both women affected by the alleged abuse.
Concerns have been raised about possible undue influence exerted by Prajwal Revanna and his family, known for their political clout in the state. This influence may have influenced the police to register a weaker FIR and omit rape charges to shield the accused from accountability.
In response to these grave discrepancies, demands have been made to rectify the shortcomings in the investigation process. These include the presence of a women counselor during victim statements, suspension of the Holenarasipur Police Circle Inspector responsible for the FIR, provision of security to the victims, and a thorough investigation into all allegations of sexual harassment.
Prominent figures and organizations, including Meenakshi Bali, President of Janavadi Mahila Sangathan, and Sabiha Bhumi Gowda, representing the Women's Anti-Violence Association, have stressed on the urgency of addressing these concerns to ensure justice for the victims and accountability for the accused.
Demands mentioned in the letters and coloumn
1. There should be a women counselor while the complainant is recording the statement of the victimized women
2. The Inspector of Holenarasipur who lodged an FIR under weak sections despite clear signs of rape should be suspended.
3. The complainant should provide security to the women victims.
4. The police should find the women in the video and file a statement.
5. A restatement of the woman who has already lodged a complaint should be taken.
6. In FIR 107/2024 action should be taken against the police who have not put in the column of victims even though there are two victims.
7. Additional points and sections should be added and strengthened to the FIR already registered.
8. Policemen who are closely connected with the accused family should be transferred
9. All officers posted on the recommendation letter of any family member of the accused should be transferred from Hassan
10. As this is a heinous case of sexually harassing hundreds of women using his influence as a weapon, it must be ensured that this case is investigated impartially and fearlessly.
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CCTVs in police stations: SC asks amicus to convene meeting on utilisation of funds
New Delhi (PTI): The Supreme Court on Tuesday said that a meeting be convened on May 6 to deliberate on the aspect of utilisation of funds by the states on installation of CCTVs in police stations across the country.
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta asked senior advocate Siddhartha Dave, who is assisting it as an amicus curiae in a suo motu matter concerning lack of functional CCTVs in police stations, to hold a meeting on May 6 with the Centre, all states and Union Territories.
"We are of the view that a meeting be convened by the amicus, as done earlier, in which the home secretary of the central government or his nominee not below the rank of joint or additional secretary and the home secretary of states/Union Territories will participate," the bench said.
The issue cropped up after the amicus flagged the aspect of utilisation of funds by the states.
Dave told the bench that in UTs, the Centre gives 100 percent funds while in hilly states, the central government gives 90 percent funding.
He said in remaining states, the Centre gives 60 percent while the rest 40 percent funding is by the respective state.
"Why don't we get responses of the states only on utilisation of funds?" the bench said.
The top court suggested that the amicus can convene a meeting with the Centre, states and UTs on the issue.
It posted the matter for hearing on May 13 and said that a report be submitted before it.
On April 7, the Centre told the top court that all issues concerning installation of CCTVs in police stations would be sorted out within two weeks.
Attorney General R Venkataramani had told the bench that he was taking stock of the issue and a lot of things were happening.
On February 26, the apex court directed the Centre and others to participate in a meeting to deliberate upon the feasibility, modalities and implementation framework of the issues, including creation of a centralised dashboard and standardisation of CCTV infrastructure in police stations.
The top court had earlier directed registration of a suo motu case over the lack of functional CCTVs in police stations after taking cognisance of a media report.
The apex court had in 2018 ordered the installation of CCTV cameras across police stations to check human rights abuses.
In December 2020, the top court directed the Centre to install CCTV cameras and recording equipment at the offices of investigating agencies, including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
It said that states and UTs should ensure that CCTV cameras were installed at every police station, at all entry and exit points, main gate, lock-ups, corridors, lobby and reception, as well as in areas outside the lock-up rooms so that no part was left uncovered.
The top court said that CCTV systems must be equipped with night vision and have audio as well as video footage.
The court made it mandatory for the Centre, states and the UTs to purchase such systems which allow storage of data for at least one year.
