The case exposed a systemic pattern of coercion, digital blackmail, and abuse of power within the Gowda political dynasty.
BY PC Bureau
August 1, 2025 — In a major legal setback for the Janata Dal (Secular) and the influential Gowda political family, a Bengaluru Special court on Thursday pronounced Prajwal Revanna guilty in the first of several criminal cases related to sexual assault, digital blackmail, and criminal intimidation.
The special court for MPs and MLAs in Bengaluru has said it will pronounce the sentence against Revanna on Saturday. The verdict was earlier deferred on July 30, with the court stating that some clarifications were required. Revanna, who was arrested last year, has been in judicial custody for the past 14 months.
Revanna, a former MP from Hassan and the grandson of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, was arrested earlier this year after multiple women accused him of sexually exploiting them, filming the acts without consent, and using the footage to blackmail them into silence or further compliance. The case triggered massive public outrage and political embarrassment for the JD(S), with opposition parties calling it a “systemic abuse of power.”
Finally one court could speed up things and convict the m0nster .
Verdict delivered just 14 months after the case was registered, with the trial concluding at a remarkable pace.
🔹Former JDS MP and BJP ally Prajwal Revanna convicted of rape, sentencing expected on Saturday🔹CID… pic.twitter.com/RMUrJiFS4Y
— D (@Deb_livnletliv) August 1, 2025
Allegations against Revanna first came to light in April 2024 when a series of sexually explicit videos were leaked anonymously on social media platforms. The videos, many of which allegedly showed Revanna in compromising situations with women in his office and constituency, prompted at least eight women to come forward with complaints. Most of the victims were either seeking jobs, government assistance, or political help when they were allegedly lured, coerced, or trapped.
What shocked many was the systematic nature of the alleged abuse. The victims claimed that Revanna not only assaulted them but also used hidden cameras to record them, threatening to release the footage publicly if they resisted or filed complaints. According to investigative agencies, some videos were stored on encrypted hard drives, while others were allegedly used to extort silence or favors.
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The scandal triggered a multi-agency investigation, involving the Karnataka Police, Cyber Crime Cell, and the Enforcement Directorate, which is probing possible money laundering and illegal assets linked to the blackmail racket.
In its ruling, the court observed that the evidence — including digital files, victim statements, and witness testimonies — established a clear pattern of manipulation and coercion. The judge noted that the case “goes beyond individual criminality” and pointed to a serious abuse of public trust and political authority.
The sentencing hearing is expected later this week, with legal experts suggesting the quantum of punishment could be significant given the aggravated charges and the influential position Revanna held at the time of the crimes.
This conviction is the first in a series of ongoing trials. At least five more FIRs are at various stages of investigation and prosecution. Several of the victims are under protection after facing threats and online harassment. Women’s rights groups have lauded the verdict and demanded fast-tracked proceedings in the remaining cases.
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Revanna has maintained his innocence throughout and claimed he is being framed for political reasons. His legal team has announced plans to appeal the verdict.
The JD(S), already facing criticism over dynastic politics, has distanced itself from Revanna. The party has not officially expelled him but has removed him from all active roles. Former PM Deve Gowda has publicly expressed “anguish and dismay” over the allegations but has not commented on the verdict.
