Prajwal Revanna Conviction: The Case That Shocked Karnataka
On August 1, 2025, a special court in Bengaluru convicted former Janata Dal (Secular) MP Prajwal Revanna in a high-profile rape case, marking a significant moment in one of Karnataka’s most controversial legal battles. The grandson of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, Revanna was found guilty of raping a 47-year-old domestic worker at his family’s farmhouse in Holenarasipura, Hassan district. The case, backed by 123 pieces of evidence, 23 witnesses, and a nearly 2,000-page chargesheet, unfolded rapidly, with the verdict delivered just 14 months after the case was filed. Here’s how the prosecution built an airtight case that led to Revanna’s conviction.
The Case Unravels
The allegations against Prajwal Revanna surfaced in April 2024, just before the Lok Sabha elections, when nearly 3,000 explicit videos allegedly showing Revanna sexually assaulting multiple women began circulating in Hassan. One of the four rape cases filed against him involved a domestic worker who accused him of repeated sexual assaults in 2021, during the COVID-19 lockdown, at the family’s Gannikada farmhouse and their Bengaluru residence in Basavanagudi. The survivor’s courage in coming forward, despite alleged threats and intimidation, set the stage for a meticulous investigation by the Karnataka Police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT).
Revanna, then the JD(S) candidate for the Hassan parliamentary seat, fled to Germany after the videos emerged but was arrested on May 31, 2024, upon his return to Bengaluru airport. The case, registered under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Information Technology Act, 2008, included charges of rape by a person in authority (Section 376(2)(k)), repeated rape (Section 376(2)(n)), sexual harassment (Section 354A), disrobing (Section 354B), voyeurism (Section 354C), criminal intimidation (Section 506), destruction of evidence (Section 201), and violation of privacy (Section 66E).
Building the Case: 123 Pieces of Evidence
The SIT, led by Inspector Shobha under the supervision of senior officers like B.K. Singh and Seema Latkar, conducted a thorough investigation, compiling 123 pieces of evidence. A pivotal piece was a saree preserved by the survivor, which forensic analysis confirmed contained traces of semen matching Revanna’s DNA. This garment, presented in court, became a cornerstone of the prosecution’s case. Additionally, forensic reports of video clips, allegedly recorded by Revanna during the assaults, corroborated the survivor’s account, showing her resisting and breaking down.
The SIT’s chargesheet, spanning nearly 2,000 pages, included spot inspection reports, biological and physical evidence, mobile and digital data, and expert opinions. The team interrogated over 150 witnesses, with 23 providing critical testimony during the trial. The survivor’s statement, recorded under Section 164 of the CrPC, was particularly compelling, detailing how Revanna forcibly confined her, raped her multiple times, and threatened her with dire consequences if she spoke out. The court gave significant weight to her testimony, backed by digital evidence and forensic findings, including a November 2024 DNA report linking Revanna to the victim’s petticoat.
The Trial: Swift and Decisive
The trial began on December 31, 2024, at the Special Court for Elected Representatives in Bengaluru, presided over by Judge Santosh Gajanan Bhat. Over seven months, the court conducted 38 hearings, examining 23 to 26 witnesses and 180 documents. Special Public Prosecutors Ashok Nayak and B.N. Jagadeesha presented a robust case, countering Revanna’s attempts to delay proceedings, including claims of lacking legal representation or access to digital evidence. The Karnataka High Court and Supreme Court rejected his bail pleas, citing the severity of the charges and his attempts to evade justice.
The prosecution’s case was bolstered by the survivor’s unwavering testimony and forensic evidence, including voice analysis matching Revanna’s to the male voice in the assault footage. Despite his emotional breakdown in court, Revanna was convicted on all counts on August 1, 2025. The sentencing, set for August 2, could carry a minimum of ten years to life imprisonment under IPC Sections 376(2)(k) and 376(2)(n), with additional penalties for other charges.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Cases
Revanna’s conviction is a landmark victory for the survivor and the SIT, hailed by Special Public Prosecutor Ashok Nayak as a lesson in accountability. However, this is only one of four rape cases against Revanna, with three others still under trial. The chargesheets in these cases, including a 2,144-page document with 150 witnesses and a 1,691-page document with 120 witnesses, suggest more convictions may follow. Allegations also extend to Revanna’s father, H.D. Revanna, charged with sexual harassment, and his mother, Bhavani Revanna, linked to a kidnapping case aimed at silencing the survivor.
The case has sparked public outrage and scrutiny of political privilege, given Revanna’s lineage and former status as an MP. The circulation of the videos, allegedly used to blackmail victims, exposed a pattern of abuse enabled by power and influence. The SIT’s ongoing investigations, with additional chargesheets expected, underscore the scale of the scandal and its profound societal impact.
A Step Toward Justice
Prajwal Revanna’s conviction sends a powerful message about accountability, regardless of status. The survivor’s bravery, coupled with the SIT’s relentless pursuit of evidence, has set a precedent for handling high-profile sexual assault cases. As Karnataka awaits the sentencing and further trials, this case remains a stark reminder of the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals and ensuring justice prevails.
Sources: India Today, The Hindu, Times of India, Firstpost, Hindustan Times
