What Led to the Life Imprisonment of Prajwal Revanna?

Bengaluru, Aug 2 (NationPress) In a landmark ruling, the Special Court for MPs/MLAs has sentenced former MP Prajwal Revanna to life imprisonment until death, following a thorough investigation led by Special Investigation Team (SIT) Chief B.K. Singh. Singh remarked that there were persistent attempts at multiple stages to hinder the verdict.

Addressing reporters at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) office, Singh, who currently holds the position of ADGP (Administration), stated, “Despite numerous efforts to delay the judgment, the outcome remained unaffected.”

Singh highlighted the victim's plight, noting she hailed from a disadvantaged socio-economic background, while the accused enjoyed significant political and financial clout. “Yet, the victim's unwavering quest for justice kept her steadfast alongside us for a year, which was pivotal in securing this conviction,” he emphasized.

“I trust this ruling will inspire hope and solace among many victims in society,” he added.

The CID is currently managing six cases against Prajwal Revanna. Initially, four victims came forward to file complaints – one at Holenarasipura Police Station, three with the CID, one at K.R. Nagar Police Station, and another in Hassan district, Singh observed.

“We finalized our investigation and presented a chargesheet in the K.R. Nagar case, leading to this conviction. The trial court received the case from the lower court on December 31, 2024,” he remarked.

On April 28, 2024, the Karnataka government initiated the SIT to probe the offenses linked to Prajwal Revanna, which were identified in pen drives circulated across Hassan district. Consequently, four cases were registered, including allegations of rape, sexual assault, and violations under the IT Act.

Another case of kidnapping involved a different individual, along with an additional case concerning the distribution of pen drives in Hassan. In one of these matters—the K.R. Nagar case—the court validated the investigation's findings and convicted Prajwal Revanna, Singh noted.

The conviction was based on several legal sections: Section 376(2)(k) – Life imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5 lakh; Section 376(2)(n) – Life imprisonment (until natural death) and a fine of Rs 5 lakh; Section 354(A) – 3 years of rigorous imprisonment; Section 354(B) – 7 years of rigorous imprisonment; Section 354(C) – 3 years of rigorous imprisonment; Section 506 – 2 years of rigorous imprisonment; Section 201 – 3 years of rigorous imprisonment; and Section 66 of the IT Act – 3 years of rigorous imprisonment.

A cumulative fine of Rs 11.60 lakh was imposed, with the court directing that Rs 11.25 lakh be awarded to the victim, Singh stated.

“The victim emerged from an extremely impoverished background, while the accused is a former Member of Parliament, part of one of the state's most influential political families. I applaud the victim's bravery; despite the challenges, she remained resolute, testified in court, and provided her statement. On behalf of the investigation team, we express our profound gratitude to her,” Singh acknowledged.

He also commended the prosecution team and the officers involved in the investigation. “Our team primarily comprised women officers. Investigating Officer Shobha spearheaded the inquiry; senior officer Sumana oversaw it, while officer Mamatha not only assisted in the investigation but also managed court proceedings. They were the torchbearers of this case from arrest to trial,” he remarked.

Out of the six cases against Prajwal Revanna, one has reached a conclusion. Another is in trial, with the victim’s statement already recorded. The third case is at the charge-framing stage, while two cases remain before the lower court where charge arguments are ongoing. One case is still under investigation, and a chargesheet will be filed soon, Singh added.

In a significant development on Saturday, the Special Court for MPs/MLAs in Bengaluru sentenced Prajwal Revanna to life imprisonment until death and imposed a fine of Rs 11.60 lakh in relation to the obscene video and rape case involving a 47-year-old woman.

Prajwal Revanna is the grandson of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda. Special Public Prosecutors emphasized that the imposition of maximum punishment serves as a strong warning to those who breach the law.