Karnataka Sex Scandal: Former MP Prajwal Revanna Sentenced to Life for Raping 47-Year-Old Domestic Worker
Bangalore Mail Desk
BENGALURU: In a landmark judgment, a special court in Bengaluru on Saturday sentenced former Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna, grandson of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, to life imprisonment for the rape of a 47-year-old domestic worker.
The ruling comes a day after the court convicted Revanna on multiple charges, including rape, sexual harassment, voyeurism, destruction of evidence, and violations of the Information Technology Act.
Verdict Delivered After 14-Month Custody
Judge Santosh Gajanana Bhat delivered the sentence nearly 14 months after Revanna’s arrest and within just eight weeks of trial proceedings. Revanna, who was present in court, appeared visibly shaken as he was taken back into custody following the announcement of the verdict.
Earlier in the day, Revanna reportedly broke down in court and pleaded for leniency, but the court upheld the prosecution’s demand for a stringent sentence.
Flight to Germany and Arrest in Bengaluru
The case drew nationwide attention last year when Revanna left for Germany in 2024 after hundreds of pen drives containing alleged explicit videos surfaced in his constituency. He returned to India post-elections and was arrested at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, on May 31.
Survivor’s Testimony and Key Evidence
The survivor, who was rescued from a farmhouse near Mysuru in April, filed a police complaint alleging that she had been abducted at the behest of Revanna’s family to prevent her from pursuing the charges.
A 40-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) conducted an extensive probe, submitting a five-volume, 1,800-page report. During the trial, 26 witnesses were cross-examined and 180 documents were reviewed over 38 hearings.
More Cases Pending
While this conviction marks a significant legal milestone, Revanna—a three-time MP—still faces trial in three additional cases linked to the same investigation.
