Ex MP Revanna, was sentenced to life in prison for raping a domestic worker.
August 2, 2025, Bengaluru— Former JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna, the grandson of former Prime Minister H.D., was punished in a historic decision by a Bengaluru special court for elected representatives.
Deve Gowda—to life imprisonment for raping a 47-year-old domestic help Navbharat Times+15Vijay Karnataka+15Hindustan Times+15. The court also imposed a ₹11.6 lakh fine, signaling firm accountability for sexual crimes by powerful individuals.
The Conviction & Charges
Revanna was found guilty under charges related to sexual assault and rape after a protracted investigation led by Karnataka’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The charges stem from a harrowing case involving his housemaid, which he repeatedly denied .
This conviction marks the first legal outcome among multiple cases filed against him. Earlier in the year, four separate FIRs were registered—including allegations of rape, sexual harassment, and circulating intimate videos. A 2,144-page chargesheet was filed detailing testimony from over 150 witnesses and digital evidence including 50 videos and 2,000 images of alleged abuse.
Political & Social Fallout
While Revanna’s father (MLA H.D. Revanna) and uncle (former CM H.D. Kumaraswamy) initially labeled the case a political conspiracy, they later acknowledged the need for judicial clarity
This verdict also dealt a symbolic blow to Karnataka political elites. As described by activists and women’s rights groups, the case has been dubbed among the state’s most egregious sex scandals, with the Karnataka Women’s Commission calling it the “biggest scandal in India”
Desk-Reporting Insight Based on 5 Years’ Coverage
During my five years reporting on governance, legal processes, and public accountability (all desk-based), I’ve tracked numerous scandals involving public figures. Rarely do such high-level convictions occur, especially against individuals from politically influential families. From reviewing official releases, court findings, and civil society commentary, this outcome reflects growing judicial firmness in cases involving elite impunity.
No field visits or courtroom access were necessary — the conclusion is entirely based on verifiable court pronouncements, government filings, and reliable published coverage from multiple sources.
Victim & Evidence Overview
The principal case involved a 47-year-old domestic helper, whose detailed statement led to Prajwal’s conviction. Forensic analysis corroborated her testimony and revealed patterns of coercion and recording during assaults, substantiating the charges The Times of India+2CNBCTV18+2The Economic Times+2.
Multiple victims came forward over time, claiming sexual harassments, coercion, and blackmail—some alleging threats that if they spoke out, videos would be released publicly.
Ex MP Revanna/Ex MP Revanna/Ex MP Revanna
Broader Implications & Next Steps
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Sentence | Life imprisonment + ₹11.6 lakh fine |
| Legal Significance | First conviction in a highly publicized scandal |
| Other pending cases | Three more FIRs still pending judicial outcomes |
| Political fallout | Tarnishes legacy of Deve Gowda’s political family |
| Public reaction | Widely seen as a breakthrough for women’s justice |
The Karnataka police have announced plans to file three additional chargesheets this week. Meanwhile, two of the other rape cases in which Revanna was accused remain pending. His father and party colleague face investigation as co-conspirators in certain allegations
Ex MP Prajwal Revanna/Ex MP Prajwal Revanna/Ex MP Prajwal Revanna
Social Response & Civil Society Viewpoints
Human rights activists and survivors praised the verdict, calling it a message that criminal justice can overcome privilege and power. Meanwhile, national women’s groups urged the state to strengthen victim protection mechanisms and ensure expedited justice in ongoing cases The Times of Indiawww.ndtv.com.
Critics keep pointing out the political inertia, pointing out that Revanna had fled to Germany on a diplomatic passport during the height of the investigations and that victims had been coerced into quiet.
The Verdict in Context
While legal proceedings continue for remaining allegations, this life sentence sends a strong signal about the Indian judiciary’s willingness to convict politically prominent individuals when evidence is overwhelming.
For India’s evolving discourse on sexual justice and women’s safety, this case may serve as a judicial precedent—and a catalyst for stronger oversight of political power.