The Verdict Against Prajwal Revanna Marks a Pivotal Moment in Karnataka's Battle Against Sexual Assault
In a historic ruling, Prajwal Revanna, the former Janata Dal (Secular) Member of Parliament and grandson of party founder HD Deve Gowda, was convicted for rape and sexual assault in August 2025. The 48-year-old domestic worker employed at Revanna's family farmhouse in Hassan district accused him of multiple sexual assaults in 2021, including three instances of rape recorded on his phone.
The sordid tale began unravelling during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, when pen drives filled with explicit footage allegedly filmed by Prajwal himself flooded Hassan district. This led to a public and political uproar, eventually prompting the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government in Karnataka to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by B.K. Singh, a senior IPS officer.
The SIT, under the leadership of B.K. Singh and other IPS officers, built an airtight case against Prajwal Revanna using scientific evidence and the survivor's consistent testimony. The digital trail led to a turbulent trial that lasted several months, culminating in his conviction on August 1, 2025.
The conviction has caused a profound crisis within the JD(S), undermining its moral authority and political prospects. Prajwal was regarded as a rising star and essential to the party's succession plans, especially in the Vokkaliga-dominated Hassan region. His life sentence and political downfall have derailed these plans, causing turmoil among party leadership and confusion about the future direction of JD(S).
The conviction has set a precedent in several ways, including showing that powerful perpetrators can be held accountable, underscoring the importance of survivor-led justice, and reaffirming the power of forensic science. Forensic evidence was crucial in securing Prajwal Revanna's conviction, particularly in identifying him in the explicit footage.
The verdict also imposed a total penalty of ₹11.60 lakh on the convict and ordered that ₹11.25 lakh be paid to the victim in the case. Legal experts suggest that this conviction could strengthen the remaining cases against Prajwal Revanna.
It's worth noting that this is not an isolated incident. Three other survivors have accused Prajwal Revanna of rape and sexual harassment. A growing number of women, over 70 according to the SIT, have been identified in the leaked videos.
The JD(S) party's reputation has nosedived in South Karnataka, its traditional stomping ground, due to the Revanna scandal. The party spokesperson emphasized distancing the party from his actions, but analysts note the close identification of the party with the Gowda family means the scandal deeply impacts JD(S)'s image and revival efforts.
In summary, Prajwal Revanna was convicted for rape and sexual assault with strong testimonial and forensic evidence from incidents alleged in 2021. The conviction resulted from a SIT investigation following the public circulation of explicit videos in 2024. His conviction and life sentence have severely damaged JD(S)'s political standing, succession strategies, and moral credibility, creating a significant crisis within the party closely associated with the Gowda family.
[1] https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/karnataka/prajwal-revannas-conviction-in-rape-case-a-landmark-verdict-in-indian-politics/article66074852.ece
[2] https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/prajwal-revannas-conviction-rape-case-massive-blow-jds-political-prospects-153186
[3] https://www.deccanherald.com/national/karnataka/prajwal-revanna-convicted-in-rape-case-983994.html
[4] https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/prajwal-revanna-convicted-in-rape-case-1860451-2025-08-01
[5] https://www.theweek.in/news/bengaluru/2025/08/01/prajwal-revanna-convicted-in-rape-case.html
[1] The conviction of Prajwal Revanna, a former Member of Parliament, for rape and sexual assault, has set a significant precedent in the realm of politics, highlighting the accountability of powerful perpetrators.
[2] In the world of sports and culture, winners are typically cheered, but in this case, a political rising star now faces a life sentence, causing turbulence within the Janata Dal (Secular) party.
[3] The technology sector has long been hailed for its contributions to progress, yet recent events illustrate its darker side, as leaked videos led to a court ruling that exposed a politician's criminal activities.
[4] The convergence of science and law enabled forensic evidence to play a pivotal role in securing the conviction of Prajwal Revanna, demonstrating the crucial role it plays in justice, especially in cases involving crimes against women.
[5] In the sphere of general news and crime-and-justice, the trial and conviction of Prajwal Revanna underscore the importance of survivor-led justice and the power that collective action can have in bringing perpetrators to account.
