Former Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna broke down in a special court today. In a landmark ruling that has sent ripples through Karnataka’s political corridors, former Member of Parliament Prajwal Revanna was convicted on August 1 by a special Bengaluru court in a high-profile rape case. The conviction marks the first in a series of sexual assault allegations against the embattled political scion.

Revanna, who hails from the influential Gowda family, was found guilty of repeatedly raping a 47-year-old domestic worker who had been employed at his family’s farmhouse and had access to his Bengaluru residence. The survivor, in her statement, accused Revanna of recording the assaults and using the footage to coerce her into silence.

The court has scheduled the sentencing for August 2, with the possibility of Revanna facing up to 14 years in prison. He is currently lodged at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison.

Rise and Fall of a Political Heir

Once seen as the political torchbearer of the Janata Dal, Revanna’s career came crashing down amid serious allegations of sexual exploitation. A former MP from Hassan, he had carved out a promising future within Karnataka politics as the grandson of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and the son of senior leader H.D. Revanna.

However, in 2024, just ahead of the general elections, thousands of explicit videos and images allegedly involving Revanna surfaced publicly. Many of these were reportedly circulated through pen drives across Hassan, prompting public outrage and political fallout. He was suspended from his party and failed to retain his seat during the elections.

The Investigation: A Forensic Breakthrough

The case gained momentum when a Special Investigation Team was formed to probe the allegations. The SIT presented a 1,600-page chargesheet based on extensive forensic analysis, digital tracking, and witness testimonies.

Key evidence included:

DNA samples matching stains found on the survivor’s clothing
Voice analysis linking audio from video clips to Revanna
Scene correlation between visuals in the videos and the interiors of Revanna’s properties
Matching of physical features from the clips with biometric traits

The investigation included over 20 witness testimonies, recovery of thousands of digital files, and several site verifications. Experts confirmed that the videos were filmed without the survivor’s consent and used as blackmail material.

Courtroom Drama and Verdict

The trial commenced in December 2024 and concluded in July 2025. Judge Santhosh Gajanan Bhat of the Special Court for Elected Representatives found Prajwal Revanna guilty under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including:

Section 376(2)(k) and 376(2)(n) (rape by a person in authority and repeated rape)
Sections 354A/B/C (sexual harassment, voyeurism, and assault with intent to disrobe)
Section 506 (criminal intimidation)
Section 201 (destruction of evidence)
Section 66E of the IT Act (violation of privacy)

As the verdict was read, Revanna reportedly broke down in court. No members of his family were present during the announcement. The quantum of punishment will be decided today, with a maximum sentence ranging from 10 to 14 years.

Wider Political and Legal Repercussions

The conviction has not only shaken Karnataka’s political circles but has also stirred national conversation about accountability in public life. This is the first time a member of a prominent political dynasty in the state has been convicted in a rape case.

Beyond Prajwal, his father H.D. Revanna is also facing charges of kidnapping the survivor to prevent her from testifying. The fallout from this case could have far-reaching consequences for the political fortunes of the Gowda family and the JD(S) party.

Moreover, three more sexual assault cases against Prajwal Revanna are pending in various stages of investigation. Legal experts believe that the outcome of this first case sets a precedent and may influence the direction of the subsequent trials.

What Lies Ahead?

With the court preparing to pronounce the sentence, all eyes remain on the judiciary. Revanna is expected to appeal the verdict in higher courts. Meanwhile, the SIT is actively pursuing the remaining cases, and more survivors may come forward as investigations deepen.

This case, with its digital forensics and survivor-driven testimony, is being hailed as a milestone in India’s judicial response to crimes involving powerful individuals. It has also reignited calls for stricter scrutiny of public representatives and more robust protection for survivors of sexual violence.

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