Prajwal Revanna convicted in rape case
Prajwal Revanna convicted in rape case, the focus of this article, has dominated headlines after a Bengaluru special court found the former JD(S) MP guilty in one of four rape cases filed against him. The verdict delivered today marks a dramatic turn in Karnataka politics and sends a strong message about political accountability. Wikipedia14The Indian Express14The Times of India14LawBeat10The Economic Times10Navbharat Times10
What Happened in Court
In a special court set up for elected representatives in Bengaluru, Additional City Civil and Session Judge Santhosh Gajanana Bhat delivered the verdict against Prajwal Revanna, convicting him on charges of rape, sexual harassment, criminal intimidation, voyeurism, and unlawful circulation of intimate images. The charges relate to assaulting a 47‑year‑old domestic worker employed at a family-owned farmhouse. The Economic Times5News on Air5News on Air5
Revanna was convicted under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 376(2)(k), 376(2)(n), 354-A, 354-B, 354-C, 506, 201, and under Section 66(E) of the Information Technology Act. The Indian Express1India Today1 The verdict came just 14 months after the case began, an unusually swift process given his political stature. www.ndtv.com14India Today14India Today14
Evidence & Trial Highlights
- Charge sheet & forensic proof: The CID’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) filed a nearly 2,000-page charge sheet with 123 pieces of evidence. Forensic analysis confirmed the presence of sperm on a saree preserved by the survivor and digital analysis of video content. The Times of India2India Today2India Today2
- Witnesses: Court proceedings included testimonies from 23 to 26 witnesses, with forensic lab reports and video transfer logs scrutinized. India Today
- Technical delay: The court adjourned on July 30 to clarify technical aspects of video data transfer from Revanna’s mobile to his driver’s device. The SIT provided detailed clarification, allowing the verdict to proceed on August 1. India Today7www.ndtv.com7The Times of India7
Video & Courtroom Emotion
Following the verdict, Prajwal Revanna visibly broke down in court, bowing his head, covering his face, and leaving the courtroom in tears. No family members were present as he quietly exited. Wikipedia14India Today14The Times of India14
About Prajwal Revanna
- Political background: Born on August 5, 1990, in Hassan, Karnataka, Revanna is the grandson of former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, son of former Karnataka minister H D Revanna, and nephew of Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy. Elected to the Lok Sabha in 2019 from Hassan, he served until June 2024. www.ndtv.com8Wikipedia8The Indian Express8
- Election and scandal: Explicit video clips allegedly filmed by Revanna circulated during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, triggering media outrage. He fled to Germany and was arrested upon his return on May 31, 2024, following an Interpol Blue Corner notice. Wikipedia3Wikipedia3Hindustan Times3
Legal & Political Repercussions
- Sentence expectations: Prosecutors have stated that the minimum sentence spans 10 years, possibly extending to life imprisonment. Revanna also faces three other pending cases. India Today
- Political fallout: Once shielded by powerful family influence, Revanna now stands alone. His conviction is hailed as unprecedented in its speed and firmness. Political operatives and activists regard it as a watershed moment in India’s fight for justice. The Times of India1The Times of India1
- Appeals expected: Legal experts anticipate that the verdict will be appealed in higher courts, even as civil activists applaud the swift judicial conduct. The Times of India1The Times of India1
Court’s Official Statement
Judge Bhat’s verdict included formal remarks:
“Acting under Sec 235(2) of CrPC, the accused Prajwal Revanna is hereby convicted for committing the offences punishable under…” including rape, sexual harassment, criminal intimidation, and IT Act violations. www.ndtv.com3The Indian Express3The Economic Times3
Summary
- “Prajwal Revanna convicted in rape case” featured from the start through the body.
- Conviction: Special court finds former MP guilty in one of four rape cases.
- Evidence: Digital videos, forensic tests, multiple witnesses.
- Emotional: Revanna breaks down in court; no visible family support.
- Legal impact: Faces 10 years to life imprisonment; appeals expected.
- Political significance: A landmark verdict signaling heightened judicial accountability.
