Former JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna has been convicted in a rape case

Former JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna Convicted in Landmark Rape Case, Sentenced to 20 Years

In a verdict that has sent a powerful message across the political landscape of India, a Special Court in Bengaluru today convicted former Janata Dal (Secular) MP, Prajwal Revanna, on multiple charges of rape, sexual assault, and criminal intimidation. The judgment, delivered after a grueling and closely-watched trial, marks a significant moment of accountability in a case that had shocked the nation.

The 35-year-old grandson of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda was found guilty of sexually assaulting multiple women, including a former household employee, who bravely came forward in early 2024. The case unraveled after hundreds of explicit videos allegedly involving Revanna were circulated in his Hassan constituency just before the general elections, leading to widespread public outrage and his swift suspension from the JD(S) party.

Special Public Prosecutor and senior advocate, S. Balan, hailed the judgment as a "triumph of justice." "This verdict is not just a conviction of one individual; it is a strong reassurance for every survivor of sexual violence in this country. It proves that no position of power or political lineage can shield a perpetrator from the law," he stated outside the packed courtroom.

The trial, which saw testimonies from over 50 witnesses, was a harrowing account of abuse of power. The survivors detailed a pattern of exploitation, where Revanna allegedly used his political influence to lure, assault, and then intimidate them into silence. The defense's arguments were systematically dismantled by the prosecution, which presented forensic evidence, digital records, and compelling victim testimonies.

A silence fell over the courtroom as Judge Laxmi N. Parashuram read out the verdict, declaring Revanna guilty under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the IT Act. The former MP, who was present in court, stood stoically as the judgment was pronounced. His bail was immediately revoked, and he was taken into judicial custody.

Outside the court, a sense of somber relief washed over the gathered crowd. Women's rights activists, who had campaigned relentlessly for justice, embraced each other. "For over a year, we have stood with these survivors. Today, their courage has been validated. This is a day we will remember in the fight for gender justice in India," said activist Kavitha L., her voice thick with emotion.

The sentencing hearing is scheduled for next week, where the prosecution is expected to seek the maximum permissible punishment. The conviction not only ends the political career of a once-rising star but also sets a crucial precedent, signaling that the era of impunity for powerful offenders may finally be coming to an end.