An MP/MLA special court on Friday pronounced ex-JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna, grandson of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, guilty in a rape case. The case was initiated after a rape complaint and other charges filed by a domestic worker from KR Nagar against Prajwal Revanna back in 2024.
Prajwal fled the country last year after videos showing him sexually assaulting women and recording the acts surfaced before the start of the 2024 Lok Sabha election. However, he was later arrested by Bengaluru Police on May 31, 2024, upon his return to the city, following an initial police complaint filed by one of the victims. Following his arrest, the ex-JD(S) MP had been in jail for the past 14 months.
What did the investigation reveal?
In June 2024, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Karnataka Police, which is investigating cases of sexual assault and harassment against Prajwal Revanna, registered a fourth rape case against him.
While three cases registered against Prajwal Revanna invoked the Indian Penal Code (IPC)’s section for sexual assault, the fourth case was registered under sections for sexual harassment, stalking and criminal intimidation of a victim, along with recording and sharing images of the victim.
Revanna breaks down after the verdict
The verdict was delivered by Judge Santhosh Gajanana Bhat. The court is scheduled to announce punishment on Saturday, after allowing the convict, Prajwal Revanna, and his counsel to make their final submissions on the conviction.
Prajwal was seen weeping in the courtroom immediately after the judgment was announced.
The court on July 30 had deferred the judgment, citing the need for certain clarifications. After seeking inputs from both sides and issuing directions, the matter was adjourned until this day.
(With inputs from IANS)
