Despite his powerful lineage, Prajwal Revanna was convicted for repeated sexual assault and intimidation, based on forensic evidence and testimony from over 25 witnesses.
BY PC Bureau
August 2, 2025 — Former Member of Parliament and grandson of ex–Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, Prajwal Revanna has been sentenced to life imprisonment by a special court in Bengaluru in a rape case involving a domestic worker. The verdict comes just over a year after explicit videos allegedly filmed by him surfaced, triggering national outrage.
In a dramatic turn, Revanna broke down in court when the verdict was delivered on August 1. Judge Santhosh Gajanan Bhat awarded the maximum punishment under IPC Section 376(2)(n) and related provisions, along with a ₹10 lakh fine. These charges included repeated rape, intimidation, voyeurism, criminal force, and violations under the IT Act for non-consensual image circulation.
Raped multiple times—first during the COVID lockdown at Revanna’s farmhouse and later at his Bengaluru residence. She said the assaults were recorded and used to threaten her into silence. Prosecutors submitted nearly 2,000 pages of charge documents, and over 20 witnesses testified. Forensic analysis reportedly confirmed that the man in the video matched Revanna’s voice and body features.
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Legal experts noted the case concluded unusually quickly—within 14 months of being registered. The presiding judge and prosecution described the crime as a serious abuse of power by a former MP. Revanna’s defense contended that the allegations surfaced only during the election period and that there was insufficient evidence to proceed.
The Special Court in #Bengaluru sentenced former MP #PrajwalRevanna to life imprisonment and 5 lakh fine for the charge under IPC Section 376(2)(k) and the offence under IPC Section 376(2)(n) (repeated rape) has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a fine of Rs. 5 lakh. pic.twitter.com/pp88OB3xA7
— Yasir Mushtaq (@path2shah) August 2, 2025
Following the conviction, Revanna was remanded to Parappana Agrahara prison in Bengaluru. Speculation of an appeal is imminent given his political standing, yet this landmark sentencing represents a pivotal moment in political accountability and judicial action in India.
The court’s decision marks a rare instance where a prominent political figure has been swiftly prosecuted and sentenced for sexual assault. The case cast a spotlight on abuse of privilege, forensic evidence in sexual assault prosecution, and the role of video and digital media in preserving and presenting proof.
The conviction also comes amid broader national scrutiny into women’s safety, violence in politics, and the ability of powerful individuals to evade accountability.
Details at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | 47-year-old domestic worker at Revanna’s farm and Bengaluru residence |
| Charges | Multiple counts including repeated rape (IPC 376(2)(n)), intimidation, voyeurism, IT violations |
| Evidence | Video recordings, forensic match, 26+ witnesses, 2,000-page chargesheet |
| Sentence | Life imprisonment + ₹10 lakh compensation |
| Trial Duration | 14 months from FIR filing to conviction |
| Court | Special Court for Elected Representatives, Bengaluru |
| Current Status | Incarcerated, appeal expected |
The conviction of Prajwal Revanna sets a significant precedent—demonstrating that political lineage does not guarantee impunity. As appeals loom and the story reverberates, the verdict could inspire similar legal actions against public figures and reaffirm the importance of justice for survivors.
