In a landmark ruling, a special court for elected representatives in Bengaluru on Saturday sentenced former Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna to life imprisonment in connection with one of four cases of rape and sexual harassment filed against him in 2024. The 34-year-old politician, grandson of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, and son of former Karnataka minister H.D. Revanna, was convicted on multiple serious charges, including:
- Two counts of rape
- Three counts of sexual harassment
- One count each of criminal intimidation and destruction of evidence
The court also imposed a fine of ₹11.25 lakh, directing that it be paid to the victim, a former domestic worker employed at the Revanna family’s farmhouse — the scene of the assault.
Background of the Case
Prajwal Revanna has been in custody since May 31, 2024, after he was arrested upon return from Germany, where he had fled following the emergence of leaked videos showing him sexually assaulting multiple women. These videos, allegedly self-recorded on his mobile phone, became public just days before the April 26 parliamentary elections, in which he was the JDS-BJP alliance candidate from Hassan.
The case that led to his conviction stemmed from a complaint filed by a woman who was rescued from confinement at a farmhouse near Mysuru on May 5. She was identified from the leaked videos and later courageously pursued legal action.
Key Evidence
Prosecutors built a strong case with the help of:
- DNA evidence, matching bodily fluids and hair samples found on the victim’s clothing with Prajwal’s DNA
- Video footage, verified as authentic and not morphed
- A 1,632-page chargesheet supported by 113 witnesses
- Testimony from Karthik N, a former driver of Prajwal and whistleblower, who discovered 2,000+ explicit photos and 40–50 assault videos on Prajwal’s phone
According to Special Public Prosecutor Jagadish Byatha, Prajwal’s claim that no complaint was filed against him during his time “ruling” Hassan underscored his abuse of power. “He is a lawmaker, and yet he broke the very laws meant to protect women,” Byatha added.
Victim’s Courage and Role of Family
The survivor, a domestic worker from a financially vulnerable background, initially remained silent due to fear and Prajwal’s political clout. According to Prosecutor Ashok Naik, the turning point came when her family stood by her after recognizing her in the leaked video. Their support enabled her to:
- File a police complaint
- Give a statement under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code
- Identify and retrieve the garment with critical forensic evidence
Impact and Legal Significance
This conviction, delivered just three months after the case was registered, sets a legal precedent in ensuring that even powerful political figures are not above the law. The court emphasized that as an elected lawmaker, Prajwal was expected to uphold the law — not violate it. In 2019, during his tenure as MP, a law mandating speedy trials in rape cases within two months was passed. Ironically, this law was invoked in his own case.
More Legal Trouble Ahead
The trial in a second rape case against Prajwal — involving the sexual coercion of a former JDS zilla panchayat worker — is ongoing. The victim’s husband, also a JDS worker, has testified in court. Two additional cases remain under investigation.
What’s Next
With this conviction, Prajwal Revanna faces life in prison, but the legal process continues as he remains accused in multiple other serious cases. Meanwhile, public prosecutors and women’s rights activists have hailed the court’s ruling as a turning point in holding the powerful accountable and empowering survivors of sexual violence to speak out.
