Former MP Prajwal Revanna Convicted in Rape Case, Breaks Down in Court

Former Janata Dal (Secular) MP Prajwal Revanna was convicted of rape by a special court for elected representatives in Bengaluru on Friday. The former parliamentarian from Hassan broke down in the courtroom immediately after the verdict was pronounced and was seen crying as he was led away. The court is scheduled to announce the quantum of punishment in the case tomorrow.

The conviction comes in a case registered at the Cyber Crime Station of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) based on a complaint from a domestic worker from KR Nagar, Mysuru. The complainant had alleged that Revanna had raped her and recorded the act on video, leading to charges under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including for rape, assault, and criminal intimidation, as well as under the Information Technology (IT) Act.

The investigation was handled by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the CID, which submitted a comprehensive charge sheet running into nearly 2,000 pages. The SIT, led by Inspector Shobha, collected 123 pieces of crucial evidence during its probe. The trial, which was completed in a swift seven months, began on December 31, 2024.

During the trial, the court examined 23 witnesses and considered key evidence, including forensic reports of the video clips and spot inspection reports from the scene of the crime. Special Public Prosecutors BN Jagadeesh and Ashok Naik represented the state, while senior advocates Nalina Mayagowda and Arun G appeared for Prajwal Revanna. The sentencing, to be announced on Friday, will be the final chapter in this closely-watched case.