Prajwal Revanna Pen Drive Case: SIT Files 13,000-Page Chargesheet Against 39 Accused

HASSAN/BENGALURU — The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the sex scandal involving former MP Prajwal Revanna reached a major milestone on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, by filing a massive chargesheet against 39 individuals. The accused are charged with the illegal circulation of explicit videos and photographs that sparked a political firestorm during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The 13,712-page document details a coordinated conspiracy to distribute “morphed” and explicit content via 70 pen drives and WhatsApp to influence voters in the Hassan constituency.

1. Key Accused and Political Links

The SIT examined 277 witnesses and conducted forensic analysis on digital materials to identify the 39 accused. Notable names in the chargesheet include:

• Naveen Kumar N R (Naveen Gowda): Listed as the first accused (A1).
• Karthik N: Revanna’s former driver, who allegedly possessed the original footage.
• Harish S N: Revanna’s auditor, whose UPI transactions reportedly traced the purchase of the pen drives used in the leak.
• Devaraje Gowda G: A BJP-linked lawyer who had previously warned about the existence of the videos.
• Political Footprint: The SIT noted that several accused have ties to local units of both the Congress and the BJP, suggesting a multi-party involvement in the distribution.

2. The Investigation’s Findings

The SIT’s technical evidence points to a deliberate “smear campaign” launched just days before the April 26, 2024, polling.

• The “Pen Drive” Logistics: Investigators traced at least one bulk purchase of pen drives to a digital transaction made by Harish.
• The Goal: According to the original complaint by election agent Poornachandra Tejaswi MG, the goal was to “defeat the JD(S) candidate” through the mass distribution of explicit material on public roads.
• Legal Status: Since Prajwal Revanna was already convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment on August 2, 2025, for the rape of a house help, he is not named as an accused in this specific chargesheet regarding the circulation.

3. Allegations of a “Cover-Up”

Despite the filing, both the complainant and the accused have criticized the SIT’s scope.

• The Complainant’s View: Poornachandra Tejaswi expressed dissatisfaction, claiming “influential names” and the true “kingpins” were omitted from the 39-member list.
• Devaraje Gowda’s Defense: The accused lawyer alleged that the SIT ignored the involvement of high-ranking leaders, specifically mentioning D.K. Shivakumar and Pritam Gowda. He announced plans to file a writ petition in the High Court to challenge the SIT’s conduct.

Prajwal Revanna Case Timeline: 2024–2026