In a landmark judgment that has sent shockwaves through Karnataka’s political landscape, former Janata Dal (Secular) MP Prajwal Revanna was sentenced to life imprisonment on Saturday, 2nd August 2025, by a Bengaluru court for multiple counts of aggravated sexual assault.
Convicted Under IPC Sections 376(2)(K) and 376(2)(N)
The 34-year-old ex-MP was found guilty under Section 376(2)(K) and 376(2)(N) of the Indian Penal Code, pertaining to aggravated rape involving abuse of power and repeated sexual assault. The judgment was delivered by Judge Santosh Gajanan Bhat of the Special Court for MPs and MLAs.
Victim Was a 48-Year-Old Domestic Worker
The case revolved around a 48-year-old domestic worker who was employed at the Revanna family’s farmhouse in Holenarasipura, Hassan district. The victim testified that the assaults occurred both at the farmhouse and at Revanna’s Bengaluru residence in 2021.
The court also took into account the digital evidence—Revanna had recorded the assaults on his phone, which became pivotal in establishing guilt during the trial.
Heavy Financial Penalty Imposed
In addition to the life sentence, the court ordered Revanna to pay a fine of ₹10 lakh, out of which ₹7 lakh will be awarded to the survivor as compensation.
Revanna, visibly emotional and tearful in court, had pleaded for leniency, but the court refused to grant a reduced sentence, citing the severity and premeditated nature of the crimes.
Political Fallout and Demand for Accountability
The conviction of Prajwal Revanna, once a rising political figure and a member of a prominent political family in Karnataka, has triggered intense controversy and public outrage. The incident has reignited conversations about sexual violence, misuse of political power, and the importance of accountability, even among the politically privileged.
A Message from the Judiciary
The ruling is being viewed as a strong message from the judiciary that justice must prevail irrespective of social status or political influence. It also signals a growing resolve within the legal system to ensure survivors receive justice, and that those in positions of power are not above the law.
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