Former MP Prajwal Revanna Convicted in Rape Case Highlighting Abuse Power

In a significant judgment, a special court for elected representatives has convicted Prajwal Revanna, an expelled JD(S) leader and former Lok Sabha MP from Hassan, in a rape case involving a domestic help. Revanna, grandson of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, was found guilty in one of four registered rape cases. The court is set to announce the punishment tomorrow, following today's verdict. The announcement left Revanna visibly distraught, as he broke down in tears.

The conviction is linked to an incident at a farmhouse in Holenarasipura, Hassan district, where Revanna was accused of sexually assaulting a domestic worker. The case was first lodged at the Holenarasipura Rural Police Station. Judge Santosh Gajanan Bhat had deferred the verdict once, initially scheduled for July 30, due to technical matters, but delivered the judgment today.

The scandal began gaining traction in April of last year when videos depicting alleged sexual harassment against several women were leaked just ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Despite filing an appeal, Revanna was denied bail by both the Karnataka High Court and the Supreme Court. A bench led by Justices Bela M. Trivedi and Satish Chandra Sharma refused to provide relief, dismissing Revanna's plea and noting additional complaints against him.

Revanna is embroiled as the principal accused across four criminal cases, following the proliferation of explicit video clips allegedly showcasing him with numerous women. These cases include grave charges under sections of the Indian Penal Code, addressing sexual assault, harassment, and illicit video recording and distribution.

(With inputs from agencies.)