In a major legal development, former Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna, the grandson of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, has been sentenced to life imprisonment by a Special Court in Bengaluru. The court found Revanna guilty of raping a 47-year-old woman who worked at his family’s farmhouse in Holenarasipur, Karnataka.
Charges and Sentencing Breakdown
The court pronounced a life sentence under Sections 376(2)(k) and 376(2)(n) of the Indian Penal Code, which deal with rape committed by someone in a position of authority and repeated rape of the same victim. Alongside the life term, additional penalties were imposed:
- 7 years’ rigorous imprisonment (RI) and a fine of ₹50,000 under Section 354B (use of criminal force with intent to disrobe),
- 2 years RI under Section 354C (voyeurism),
- 3 years RI under Section 201 for destroying evidence,
- 2 years RI under Section 506 for criminal intimidation,
- Fines totaling over ₹11 lakh, with compensation directed to the survivor,
- Charges under the Information Technology Act (Section 66E) for violating the woman’s privacy through unauthorized video recordings.
Forensic Evidence and Courtroom Testimony
The court’s verdict was based on strong forensic and testimonial evidence. DNA analysis confirmed that semen found on the survivor’s clothing matched Revanna’s DNA. Video evidence of the assault, allegedly recorded by the accused himself, further supported the charges, despite Revanna’s face not being clearly visible.
A total of 23 witnesses testified during the seven-month trial, which began in December 2024 and concluded swiftly with 38 hearings. The survivor’s detailed testimony and corroborating material evidence played a crucial role in securing the conviction.
Political and Legal Context
The case gained national attention in early 2024 when multiple pen drives containing explicit footage allegedly involving Revanna surfaced just before the Lok Sabha elections. Following widespread outrage, he left the country and was declared “absconding” by authorities.
Revanna was arrested at the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru on May 31, 2024, after returning from Germany. His requests for bail were denied by both the Karnataka High Court and the Supreme Court, citing concerns about his political influence and risk of tampering with evidence.
He was suspended from the Janata Dal (Secular) following his arrest.
Courtroom Reaction
During sentencing, Revanna reportedly broke down in court, stating: “My only mistake was rising too fast in politics.” His emotional outburst did not sway the court, which emphasized the gravity of his crimes and the abuse of power he wielded over the survivor.
Survivor’s Family and Public Response
The survivor’s family welcomed the ruling, expressing relief and gratitude for the judiciary’s support. Women’s rights groups and legal experts hailed the verdict as a significant moment for justice, particularly in high-profile cases involving influential individuals.
The judgment has been viewed as a bold statement against political impunity and a reaffirmation of the rule of law.
Why This Verdict Matters
| Key Takeaway | Details |
|---|---|
| Judicial Integrity | Demonstrates that courts are willing to convict even powerful individuals when strong evidence exists. |
| Legal Precedent | Highlights the relevance of forensic and digital evidence in sexual assault cases. |
| Public Accountability | Reinforces the need for political parties to vet candidates and take swift action in cases of misconduct. |
What Comes Next?
While this ruling concludes one case, Revanna is facing multiple other cases involving similar allegations of sexual assault and misconduct. Further investigations and trials are expected in the coming months, which could lead to additional convictions.
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