Today, On 2nd August, Former JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna has been sentenced to life imprisonment by a special court in Bengaluru in connection with a rape case. The court also imposed a fine of Rs.5 lakh on the convicted leader.
A Special Court in Bengaluru has sentenced Janata Dal (Secular) leader and former MP Prajwal Revanna to life imprisonment in connection with the rape case filed against him at the Holenarasipura Rural Police Station.
The court has also imposed a fine of Rs.10 lakh on him.
A trial court in Bengaluru convicted suspended Janata Dal (Secular) leader Prajwal Revanna on Friday for allegations of repeatedly raping his maid and recording videos of the assaults.
The ruling was delivered by Additional City Civil and Sessions Judge Santhosh Gajanan Bhat.
During the sentencing hearing, Revanna questioned the timing and motives behind the allegations made against him.
He stated.
“When I was serving my term as Member of Parliament, not a single complaint was brought forward. It is only during the elections that these allegations have suddenly surfaced,”
He also mentioned that he would respect the Court’s decision.
Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) BN Jagadeesha previously argued for a stringent and rigorous punishment for Revanna, asserting, while seeking life imprisonment in the case, he stated,
“The motive and intent of the crime should be considered,”.
In contrast, Senior Advocate Nalina Mayegowda, representing Revanna, argued that he is a young person who has been involved in charitable activities for many years.
The senior counsel emphasized,
“These good deeds and contributions to society should be taken into consideration by this Hon’ble Court,”
The court was informed that Revanna’s name and reputation have been significantly harmed due to these proceedings.
Revanna told the Court that he is a meritorious student and that entering politics at a young age has had its costs.
Revanna said,
“I am a meritorious student, a mechanical engineering graduate. I grew up in politics early, this as costs me. However, I will bow before the court for verdict,”
Earlier in April, the trial court had outlined various criminal charges against Revanna under several provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including:
- Section 376(2)(k) (rape by a person in a position of dominance);
- Section 376(2)(n) (repeated rape);
- Section 354A (outraging modesty);
- Section 354B (assault or use of criminal force to disrobe);
- Section 354C (voyeurism);
- Section 506 (criminal intimidation); and
- Section 201 (causing the disappearance of evidence).
Additionally, Revanna faced charges under Section 66E of the Information Technology Act, 2008, which penalizes violations of personal privacy, such as sharing private images without consent.
He is the primary suspect in four cases stemming from the circulation of over 2,900 videos showing the sexual assault of multiple women on various online platforms.
The first case was initiated in April of last year by a domestic worker previously employed at the Revanna family’s farmhouse. She alleged that Prajwal Revanna raped her repeatedly and threatened to release footage of the assaults if she spoke out, with the first incident reportedly occurring in 2021.
A trial court in Bengaluru has charged Revanna with several offenses, including rape, voyeurism, criminal intimidation, and the unauthorized distribution of private images.
The court, On July 18, reserved its judgment.
Following public opposition, Revanna fled to Germany after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections but was arrested upon returning to India on May 31, 2024, and has been in custody since. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) that investigated the case submitted its chargesheet in August 2024.
Suspended JD(S) leader and former MP Prajwal Revanna is facing multiple rape and sexual assault cases, following the leak of over 2,900 objectionable videos involving several women. After fleeing the country in April 2024, he returned and is currently in custody.
Case Title: State By Special Investigation Team AND Prajwal Revanna