Former JDS MP Prajwal Revanna Found Guilty of Rape; Karnataka Court Delivers Verdict Just 14 Months After FIR

New Delhi (India) August 1: The Special Court for People's Representatives finds former JDS MP Prajwal Revanna guilty on Friday of rape in a case. It was brought against him by a domestic servant from KR Nagar in Mysuru, Karnataka.

Court finds Revanna guilty

The trial ended surprisingly quickly. The verdict comes only 14 months after the case was registered. On Saturday, the court is expected to determine the appropriate sentence. After the verdict, Revanna, broke down and was seen sobbing as he exited the courtroom.

A woman who was employed as a domestic helper at Revanna's family farmhouse claimed that since 2021, Revanna had raped her several times. He also threatened her to make videos of the abuse public if she told anyone about it.

Revanna is accused of raping the woman twice and filming the incident in the case. The case is filed at the Criminal Investigation Department's (CID) Cyber Crime Station.

Key evidence shown in court

The survivor produced a saree as tangible proof during the investigation and trial. The forensic analysis verifies that there was sperm on the saree. It was shown in court and acknowledged as important proof of rape.

The case was filed in accordance with the Information Technology (IT) Act of 2008 and the relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

CID gathers strong evidence

Inspector Shobha led the CID's Special Inquiry Team (SIT). The team gathered 123 pieces of evidence throughout the inquiry. It filed a lengthy charge sheet that was almost 2,000 pages long.

In 2024, the trial started on December 31. The court studies important forensic science lab (FSL) reports of the video clips and spot inspection findings from the crime site. It also questions 23 witnesses.

Different Levels of Punishment 

Prajwal Revanna faces different levels of punishment depending on the section under which he was found guilty. The minimum penalty set under IPC Sections 376(2)(k) and 376(2)(n) is 10 years in jail, with the possibility of an extension to life in prison.

Sections 354(A), 354(B), and 354(C) of the IPC carry a maximum sentence of three years in jail. IPC Section 201 specifies a minimum term of one year, with the possibility of an extension of up to seven years. IPC Section 506 imposes a maximum penalty of six months.

Aadrika Tayal