What Will the Bengaluru Court Decide in the Rape Case Against Ex-JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The verdict is highly anticipated and could have significant ramifications.
- Prajwal Revanna has been in custody for over a year.
- The evidence includes video recordings and forensic samples.
- The case raises serious questions about power dynamics and accountability.
- Public interest in the verdict reflects the gravity of the allegations.
Bengaluru, Aug 1 (NationPress) The Special Court for MPs/MLAs in Bengaluru is set to announce its verdict today regarding the obscene video and rape allegations against former JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna, who is the grandson of the former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda.
On July 30, the court had postponed the decision for further clarifications after gathering inputs from both parties involved. The proceedings were adjourned until this day.
If Prajwal Revanna is found guilty, he could face a prison sentence of up to 10 years, according to police sources. He was taken into custody last year and has spent 14 months behind bars. Depending on the outcome of the verdict, he may also seek bail in other related cases.
The ongoing case stems from a rape allegation and additional charges brought forth by a domestic worker from K.R. Nagar against Prajwal Revanna. The court has examined 26 pieces of evidence pertaining to this case. Prajwal Revanna is also facing three other similar accusations.
Videos purportedly showing Prajwal Revanna engaging in sexual assaults and recording these acts emerged during the 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign. Following this, he fled the country. Initially, a victim from Holenarasipura filed a police report against him. Upon his return to Bengaluru on May 31, 2024, he was arrested by local police.
His return followed public calls from H.D. Deve Gowda and Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy. Prajwal Revanna has been detained at Bengaluru Central Jail, where all his bail applications have been denied by various courts.
One of the videos that sparked considerable outrage during the election period allegedly shows the sexual assault of an elderly domestic worker at a farmhouse in Holenarasipura. In the footage, the woman is heard pleading with Prajwal, stating that she had provided meals for his father and other family elders.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has lodged cases under IPC Sections 376(2)(n) (repeated rape on the same individual), 506 (criminal intimidation), 354A(1) (unwelcome physical advances), 354B (criminal force with the intent to disrobe), and 354C (voyeurism—capturing private acts without consent), in addition to relevant sections of the Information Technology Act.
Police sources have indicated that they have gathered substantial evidence in this case, including the victim's statement, forensic samples from the victim's clothing, and video footage of the alleged assault.
The verdict is highly anticipated.