In a case that has sent shockwaves through Karnataka and beyond, former Member of Parliament (MP) Prajwal Revanna, grandson of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the repeated rape of a 47-year-old domestic worker. The case, rich in forensic complexity and judicial gravity, lays bare the abuse of power, the resilience of a survivor, and the dogged pursuit of justice by a special investigative team.

The Shocking Verdict and Sentencing

On Saturday, August 2, 2025, the Special Court for MPs and MLAs in Bengaluru sentenced Prajwal Revanna to life imprisonment, bringing closure—at least in one case—of a series of sexual assault allegations leveled against him. In addition to the life sentence, the court imposed a fine of ₹10 lakh, of which ₹7 lakh is to be paid as compensation to the survivor.

The verdict was delivered by Additional City Civil and Sessions Judge Santhosh Gajanan Bhat, just a day after Revanna was convicted of the crime. The conviction follows a swift judicial process: the trial began eight weeks ago and culminated in what many are calling a landmark judgment.

The Crime: Timeline and Testimony

The case centers on a 47-year-old farm labourer and domestic worker, who accused Revanna of raping her on three separate occasions—twice at a farmhouse in Gannikada, Hassan, and once at his family residence in Bengaluru during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2021.

Initially silent due to fear and blackmail—Revanna had allegedly filmed the assaults and threatened to release the footage—the survivor chose to come forward after thousands of explicit videos began circulating online and on social media just before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. These videos, reportedly shot by Revanna, showed the sexual abuse of multiple women, triggering public outrage and prompting police action.

The Legal Charges and Conviction

Revanna, a three-time MP from Hassan and a member of Janata Dal (Secular), was convicted under several provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Information Technology Act:

• IPC Section 376(2)(k): Rape by a person in a dominant position

• IPC Section 376(2)(n): Repeated rape

• IPC Section 354A, 354B, 354C: Outraging modesty, assault with intent to disrobe, and voyeurism

• IPC Section 506: Criminal intimidation

• IPC Section 201: Destruction of evidence

• IT Act Section 66E: Violation of privacy

Despite arguments from Revanna’s legal team claiming the allegations were politically motivated and timed to coincide with elections, the court found compelling evidence to justify proceeding with the trial and ultimately convicting him.

The Forensic Puzzle: How the SIT Cracked the Case

At the heart of this complex case was a challenging forensic task: proving that Prajwal Revanna was the person behind the camera, as his face never appeared in any of the videos. Only his hands and genitals were visible in the footage.

To tackle this, the Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by IPS officer BK Singh, turned to international forensic methodologies—drawing from studies in Turkey and Japan—which had been previously used in child sexual abuse cases globally.

Here's how investigators built their case:

• Court-Mandated Body Imaging:

  Although initially resistant, Revanna was subjected to medical imaging after the SIT obtained judicial approval under Section 53A of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). Doctors captured high-resolution images of his body, including his hands and genitals.

• Visual and Audio Matching:

  Forensic experts found 10 unique marks on Revanna’s body that matched those visible in the videos. Additionally, the voice heard in the footage was analyzed and found to be consistent with his.

• Scene Verification:

  Investigators matched the rooms in the videos to Prajwal’s farmhouse and city residence, using background elements like floor tiles and furniture to confirm location identity.

• DNA Evidence:

  DNA recovered from the survivor’s petticoat was a match to Revanna, further reinforcing her account.

• Device and Data Trails:

  Police traced the phone used to record the videos back to Prajwal. Initially in his possession, the device was later handed over to his driver, a crucial link in the chain of custody.

These evidentiary elements, along with the detailed and courageous testimony of the survivor, convinced the court of Revanna’s guilt.

The Survivor's Strength and the Courtroom Drama

According to Special Public Prosecutor BN Jagadeesha, the survivor—referred to as Mridula (name changed)—was a pivotal force in securing a conviction. Despite breaking down multiple times during the trial, including while watching the video evidence and under intense cross-examination, she remained steadfast.

“She was visibly disturbed, but she did not hesitate. Her clarity and consistency added enormous weight to our case,” said Jagadeesha.

Defense Arguments and Revanna’s Plea

Revanna’s counsel, Senior Advocate Nalina Mayegowda, attempted to mitigate sentencing by highlighting his charitable activities, educational background as a mechanical engineer, and his claim of being a victim of political vendetta. In court, Revanna broke down, stating:

“I am a meritorious student... I grew up in politics early. This has cost me. However, I will bow before the court for the verdict.”

Despite his emotional plea and claims of a tarnished reputation, the judge ruled that the severity, premeditation, and scale of the crime warranted the harshest possible punishment.

Flight to Germany and Arrest at the Airport

Following the circulation of the videos, Revanna fled to Germany in early 2024. He returned only after the general elections and was arrested at Bengaluru Airport on May 31, 2024. His arrest followed a months-long investigation involving over:

• 38 court hearings

• 26 cross-examined witnesses

• 180 verified documents

• A five-volume SIT report spanning 1,800 pages

This particular case is only one of four filed against him, with three other trials still pending.

Public and Institutional Response

The court's decision has been hailed as a milestone in accountability for powerful political figures in India. Investigators from the SIT expressed relief and satisfaction, stating that their months of rigorous investigative work had finally borne fruit.

“We needed this result, or else all our efforts would have gone to waste,” said a senior SIT officer.

A Wake-Up Call for Accountability

The Prajwal Revanna case is a chilling reminder of how power can be weaponized against the vulnerable, and yet also a testament to the power of justice when systems work in tandem. From the brave voice of a survivor to the precision of forensic science and the resolve of judicial oversight, this case will likely serve as a legal and moral precedent in India’s fight against sexual violence—especially involving the elite and politically powerful.

As the country awaits the outcomes of the remaining trials against Revanna, one thing is clear: no one is above the law.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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