Former MP Prajwal Revanna Sentenced to Life in Rape Case

The Special Court for MPs/MLAs has sentenced former MP and suspended JD(S) leader Prajwal Revanna to life imprisonment on charges of rape. Judge Santosh Gajanan Bhat also imposed a Rs 10 lakh fine on Revanna, who has been found guilty in one of four sexual abuse and rape cases filed against him.

The case involves a 48-year-old woman who worked at the Gannikada farmhouse in Holenarasipura, Hassan district. She was allegedly raped twice in 2021 at the farmhouse and Revanna's Bengaluru residence, with the incidents recorded on his mobile phone. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) submitted a detailed charge sheet, including evidence from 113 witnesses and extensive documentation.

During the trial, Revanna, visibly emotional, asked the court for reduced sentencing, citing his fast political growth as his only mistake. Revanna, the grandson of former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, has been entangled in multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, which were unearthed ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. The JD(S) consequently suspended him from the party.

(With inputs from agencies.)