Prajwal Revanna Sentenced to Life in Rape Case: In a landmark judgment that has sent shockwaves across Karnataka and the Indian political landscape, former JD(S) leader and ex-MP Prajwal Revanna has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the rape of a 48-year-old domestic help. The Bengaluru Special Court also imposed a fine of ₹10 lakh on Revanna, further cementing the seriousness of the charges and the consequences of his actions.
Who Is Prajwal Revanna?
Prajwal Revanna is the grandson of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and son of senior JD(S) leader H.D. Revanna. Once a rising political figure in Karnataka, Revanna represented the Hassan parliamentary constituency in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections but failed to retain his seat in 2024 amid mounting legal and public pressure following sexual assault allegations.
Details of the Case: Crime and Conviction
The conviction, delivered on August 1, 2025, pertains to the rape of a domestic worker who was employed at the Revanna family’s farmhouse in Gannikada, Hassan, in 2021. According to the charges, Revanna raped the woman twice and allegedly filmed the act. These shocking revelations came to light when pen drives containing explicit videos surfaced in April 2024, just ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
The court found Revanna guilty beyond reasonable doubt, stating that the evidence and video materials were “deeply disturbing and conclusive.” The court also observed a clear abuse of power, trust, and influence by the accused.
Emotional Breakdown in Court
Earlier during the final hearing, Revanna broke down in court, pleading for leniency. He claimed innocence and insisted that his “only mistake was rising too fast in politics.” Begging for mercy, he told the court,
“I have a family. I haven’t seen my mother and father for six months. Please give me a lesser sentence.”
Despite his emotional appeal, the court emphasized the serious nature of the crime and upheld the life sentence as a necessary step to ensure justice.
History of Sexual Assault Allegations Against Revanna
This case is not an isolated incident. Revanna is facing a total of four criminal cases involving charges of rape and sexual harassment. His arrest took place on May 31, 2024, by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) upon his return from Germany. He was nabbed at Bengaluru Airport and later remanded to judicial custody.
The entire investigation gained momentum after over 2,900 explicit videos, allegedly involving Revanna and multiple women, were circulated online in Hassan and surrounding areas. The circulation of these videos prompted public outrage and forced law enforcement agencies to act swiftly.
Survivor Speaks Out After Viral Videos
The 48-year-old survivor, who was once employed by the Revanna family, came forward with her allegations only after the explicit videos began circulating online. According to her statement, she did not initially speak out due to fear, shame, and societal pressure. Revanna, however, claimed that the woman had never raised a complaint before, not even to her family.
Supreme Court and High Court Reject Bail Pleas
Both the Karnataka High Court and the Supreme Court of India have previously rejected Revanna’s bail applications, noting the gravity of the charges and the risk of evidence tampering. The High Court directed him to approach the sessions court for any further relief — a request now irrelevant following his conviction and sentencing.
What This Means for Indian Politics
Prajwal Revanna’s case is a stark reminder of how power can be misused, and how justice can still prevail when institutions work effectively. His fall from political grace is a cautionary tale for politicians across the country.
With Karnataka’s political scene already facing turbulence, this high-profile conviction may lead to internal party rifts, especially within JD(S), and could influence public trust in regional leadership.
Justice Delivered, but the Wounds Remain
While the life imprisonment of Prajwal Revanna is a significant legal victory for the survivor and the justice system, the emotional and psychological scars left behind will take time to heal. This case has also sparked a wider conversation on women’s safety, workplace abuse, and political accountability in India.
As the dust settles on this explosive scandal, the hope remains that such crimes will be met with swift and firm justice, irrespective of the accused’s political stature.