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Prajwal Revanna Convicted: Life Sentence in High-Profile Karnataka Rape Case Explained

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by

Lucy
in ,

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Key Takeaways

  • Prajwal Revanna, former JD(S) MP and grandson of ex-Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, was sentenced to life imprisonment for rape on August 1, 2025.
  • The conviction stems from allegations that he assaulted a domestic worker in 2021, with critical forensic evidence linking him to the crime scene.
  • Revanna broke down in court, attributing his conduct to his rapid political rise, and his defense suggested videos circulated only after the abuse reports surfaced.
  • The case highlights the role of forensic science, particularly a distinctive mole on his hand, which helped seal the conviction.
  • The verdict has significant political repercussions for the JD(S), likely ending Revanna’s political aspirations and raising concerns about domestic worker safety.

Table of Contents

What Happened?

Courtroom Drama and Public Reaction

Forensic Breakthrough

Political Fallout

What This Means Moving Forward

FAQ

Sources

What Happened?

The case centers around allegations that Prajwal Revanna, former JD(S) MP and grandson of ex-Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, raped a woman employed as house help twice in 2021. Disturbingly, reports indicate that Revanna filmed the acts, which became crucial evidence during the trial. This conviction is notable as the first to result in a sentence, despite four other rape and sexual harassment cases lodged against him in Karnataka.[2]

Courtroom Drama and Public Reaction

Upon hearing the verdict, Revanna broke down in court, tearfully requesting a lesser sentence, stating, “The only mistake I made in my life is growing fast in politics.” This emotional response highlights the significant personal and political repercussions. His defense argued that the abuse allegations surfaced only after videos circulated, suggesting they were not previously reported by the victim’s family.[0]

Forensic Breakthrough

A significant moment in the prosecution’s case was a forensic discovery involving a distinctive mole on Revanna’s left hand, which helped police conclusively identify and link him to the crime. This forensic detail played a crucial role in validating the victim’s testimony and securing the conviction.[2]

Political Fallout

Revanna’s conviction strikes a heavy blow to the JD(S), raising uncertainty about his future in politics and damaging party reputation. Having already lost in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Hassan, this verdict is likely to end his political career. Observers are now watching whether he will appeal and how the party manages the ensuing crisis.[3]

What This Means Moving Forward

  • Legal: A life sentence for a former sitting MP signifies strict judicial action against sexual crimes, including those involving political figures.
  • Political: The JD(S) must now strategize to preserve public trust and manage the fallout from this scandal.
  • Social: The case underscores the importance of protecting the rights and safety of domestic workers, a vulnerable section in Indian society.

FAQ

What is the background of Prajwal Revanna?

Prajwal Revanna is a former Member of Parliament from Karnataka and grandson of ex-Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda. His political career faced scrutiny after the criminal case and subsequent conviction.

What evidence was key in the conviction?

A forensic breakthrough involving a distinctive mole on Revanna’s left hand was instrumental in linking him to the crime scene and corroborating the victim’s testimony.

How has the political landscape responded?

The conviction has dealt a blow to the JD(S), with questions about Revanna’s political future and the party’s image, especially after his defeat in the 2024 elections.

Sources