Cogent material against Prajwal Revanna: Karnataka High Court in second round of bail

The Karnataka High Court on Monday orally observed that suspended Janata Dal (Secular) leader Prajwal Revanna, who is facing rape and sexual harassment charges, may not be able to seek bail only on the ground that the trial has been stayed against other co-accused persons. .Justice Pradeep Singh Yerur explained that there appeared to be concrete evidence being cited against Revanna, who is the main accused. The judge, however, assured that he would hear Revanna's arguments on April 15."Even if there is stay against others, there are cogent circumstances against you (Revanna)...unless you show something extraordinary...can bail be granted? I will hear you, no difficulty," Justice Yerur said. .Revanna is the main accused in four cases registered after over 2,900 clips depicting the sexual assault of several women were circulated online, including on social media. The first of such cases was filed in April last year by a domestic help who used to be employed at the Revanna family's farmhouse. She has accused Prajwal Revanna of repeatedly raping her and threatening to leak visuals of the assault if she were to speak out about the rape, the first of such incidents allegedly having taken place in 2021. Recently, a trial court in Bengaluru framed various criminal charges against Revanna in the matter, including for rape, voyeurism, criminal intimidation and the unauthorised circulation of private images..The Karnataka High Court had dismissed his bail plea last October. The Supreme Court also refused to give him bail in the matter. In March this year, Revanna filed a second bail plea before the High Court. His counsel today argued that there has been a change of circumstances that would entitle Revanna to bail. This included the fact that the chargesheet has already been filed and that the trial has been stayed against co-accused persons, his counsel said. "After four and a half years (since the alleged incident of 2021), complaint has been filed. (There is) no explanation...How long can I be expected to continue like this? I cannot be expected to languish behind bars for reasons beyond my control," Revanna's counsel added.Representing the State, Special Public Prosecutor BN Jagadeesha sought time to file objections and opposed the bail plea. "It went up to Supreme Court. Supreme Court rejected bail. No change of circumstances thereafter...He is the main accused...Against other people, trial was stayed. He has four cases," the SPP said. Senior Advocate Prabhuling Navadgi is appearing for Revanna..[Read Live Coverage]