Bengaluru: SIT Proposes Medical Examination for Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna in Sexual Assault Case
In a significant development, officials from the Special Investigation Team (SIT) have recommended a medical examination, including a ‘manhood test’, for Member of Parliament Prajwal Revanna in connection with a sexual assault case.
On Monday, June 3, a preliminary examination was conducted at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical Research Institute within Bowring Hospital. The examination involved the collection of sperm, pubic hair, and blood samples from Prajwal Revanna for forensic analysis. The SIT plans to seek court permission to proceed with the test, after which a team of experts will be appointed to compile and submit their findings.
Prajwal Revanna was transported under SIT escort from the CID headquarters to Bowring Hospital around 11:30 am for the examination, which lasted over three hours. Following the procedure, he was returned to the CID office for further questioning. The ‘manhood test’ aims to ascertain physical capability relevant to the alleged sexual assault.
Such forensic examinations are routine in rape investigations, and the SIT has also retrieved potential evidence from Prajwal Revanna’s residence in Hassan Nagar, including a pillow and mattress where traces of hair and sperm were reportedly found on the bed cover. This evidence, along with the results of the medical tests, is expected to be pivotal in the ongoing investigation.
The SIT encountered objections from hospital doctors at Bowring Hospital regarding certain prescribed medical tests, highlighting legal constraints that necessitate court authorization for their execution.
In a separate development, there is a consideration by the SIT to grant Prajwal Revanna, also the Janata Dal (Secular) candidate for Hassan, limited access to television to monitor Lok Sabha election results. This follows his request to the court, potentially allowing him to view news channels for a brief period in the SIT chief’s chamber.
Furthermore, the SIT has notified the Lok Sabha Speaker’s office of Prajwal Revanna’s arrest in the rape case, forwarding a detailed report through Karnataka Bhavan officials based in Delhi.
