Former MP Prajwal Revanna has been convicted by the court in the first rape case filed against him. The female employee had filed an FIR in 2024. The sentence will be announced on August 2nd.
Prajwal Revanna: Former Karnataka MP and expelled Janata Dal (Secular) leader Prajwal Revanna has been convicted by a special court in Bengaluru on serious charges of sexual assault and rape. This verdict comes in the case filed last April by a woman who alleged that Revanna repeatedly raped her and threatened to release videos if she disclosed the incidents.
Hearing Completed on July 18th
The special court for elected representatives in Bengaluru had completed the hearing in this case on July 18th and reserved its verdict. On Friday, August 1st, the court delivered its judgment and convicted Revanna. The court will now announce the sentence on August 2nd.
First Complaint Filed in April 2024
The rape case began in April 2024 when the victim filed an FIR against Revanna at the Holenarasipura Rural Police Station in Hassan district. According to the victim, she worked as a domestic helper at Revanna's family farmhouse, and Revanna had been sexually assaulting her since 2021. She also alleged that the accused had made obscene video clips of her to intimidate her and threatened to make these videos public if she told anyone.
Over 2000 Obscene Video Clips Viral
The case against Revanna became even more serious when over 2,000 alleged obscene video clips surfaced on social media. These clips purportedly depicted the sexual assault of several women. Following the emergence of the videos, the National Commission for Women, the Karnataka government, and the police administration faced immense pressure to take action.
Named Accused in Four Cases
Prajwal Revanna is the main accused in four criminal cases registered against him last year. These include serious charges such as rape, sexual assault, threats, and dissemination of objectionable content. The court has currently delivered judgment in one case, but hearings in other cases are still pending.
After Revanna's name surfaced, there was upheaval in Karnataka politics. The JDS immediately expelled him from the party. Both the Congress and BJP demanded impartial and strict action in this matter.
Court's Stance
In its verdict, the court stated that the evidence presented by the prosecution and the victim's testimony were credible and solid. The court also held that the accused deliberately mentally and physically tortured the victim and threatened her to silence her. The court will now announce the sentence on Saturday, August 2nd. Under sections 376 (rape), 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code, and the IT Act, the accused could face a sentence ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment.
