Bengaluru: A mobile phone allegedly used from inside Bengaluru Central Prison has opened up a fresh line of investigation involving convicted former JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna, with forensic examination revealing 173 files on the device, including three alleged obscene videos involving him.

The phone was seized during a search of the prison on August 11 after a video purportedly showing Revanna speaking on a mobile phone from inside the jail went viral on social media. The device was subsequently sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for examination.

According to the police, the FSL report has confirmed the presence of hundreds of video files on the seized device. Revanna and undertrial prisoner Pratapa Rai, who were lodged together in the same cell, allegedly refused to disclose the phone's password despite repeated requests from investigators.

What police found on the phone

Investigators said the device contained 173 files. Three of these were allegedly obscene videos involving Revanna, while the remaining material included other vulgar and obscene videos, movie clips in Kannada, Hindi and English, web series and other video content.

Police are now examining the digital trail associated with the phone, including its communication records.

Investigators have found that video calls and WhatsApp calls were allegedly made from the device to several women.

Particular attention is being given to calls allegedly made to women who had previously been seen with Revanna in obscene videos before his arrest.

Police are examining whether the women contacted from the prison had any connection with the material recovered from the device.

Sources said notices could be issued to some of the women as part of the investigation. They may be questioned about the calls and video calls allegedly made from the phone.

A pen drive is also part of the investigation and reportedly contains more than 150 videos.

Its contents are being examined along with the material recovered from the mobile phone.

Probe widens to prison staff

The investigation is not limited to the contents of the devices. Police are also trying to establish how a mobile phone reached a high-security prison in the first place.

Preliminary investigation has indicated that a prison warder allegedly provided the phone to Revanna.

Police are also probing the suspected involvement of a rowdy-sheeter identified as Thouseef, who allegedly supplied the device to the warder.

The Parappana Agrahara police have registered a case over the recovery of the phone and are investigating the circumstances surrounding its entry into Bengaluru Central Prison.

Investigators have also found indications that Revanna allegedly used the device to remain in regular contact with people outside prison.

He is suspected of speaking to family members every day and making video calls. The phone was also allegedly used to contact his advocate.

The probe is now focused on the call records, videos and other digital evidence recovered from the phone and pen drive.

Police are seeking to establish the extent to which the device was used from inside prison and whether any of the communications or digital material have a connection with the cases for which Revanna was convicted.

Revanna is the grandson of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, son of former minister HD Revanna and nephew of Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy.

The Parappana Agrahara police are continuing to question prison staff and examine the forensic evidence as they piece together how the device was obtained, who facilitated its use and how extensively it was used while Revanna was behind bars.