Should Prajwal Revanna Face Life Imprisonment for Obscene Video and Rape Conviction?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Life imprisonment sought for Prajwal Revanna.
- The victim's plight emphasizes the need for justice.
- Public prosecutors argue for a strong message against abuse of power.
- The case raises questions about the accountability of influential figures.
- Concerns about public sentiment influencing judicial outcomes.
Bengaluru, Aug 2 (NationPress) Special Public Prosecutors have called on the Special Court for MPs and MLAs in Bengaluru to impose the harshest sentence possible — life imprisonment — on former MP Prajwal Revanna, who has been found guilty in a case involving rape and the distribution of obscene videos. In their arguments regarding the sentencing, they emphasized that such a penalty would convey a powerful message to society and act as a strong deterrent.
Representing the victim, Special Public Prosecutor B.N. Jagadish highlighted the dire circumstances of the woman—a vulnerable, uneducated domestic worker earning just Rs 10,000 monthly—who was repeatedly assaulted, blackmailed, and ultimately forced to abandon her home. “She became an easy target for a powerful criminal. After viewing the video, she even considered taking her own life,” he asserted in court.
“The video of the sexual assault showcases Prajwal’s sadistic mentality. As a sitting MP, he was fully aware of the law but still chose to commit these heinous acts. He is a repeat offender who recorded videos of several women. The most severe punishment is warranted,” Jagadish emphasized, pointing out that the convict displayed no signs of remorse.
“It is crucial to send a clear message that wealth and political influence do not exempt one from justice. The judiciary must counter the public perception that powerful individuals evade appropriate sentences while ordinary citizens face the full force of the law,” he argued further.
Jagadish also noted that the victim endured not only physical assault but also psychological torment, along with attempts to destroy evidence and manipulate her testimony. “Prajwal threatened to kill her. He is currently dealing with several similar cases,” he stated.
Special Public Prosecutor Ashok Nayak echoed the call for the maximum penalty, underscoring that as a Member of Parliament, Prajwal committed a crime of the highest severity. “He was elected to serve the public. What did he do with that trust? He must face life imprisonment and a substantial fine. He is wealthy—the victim deserves adequate compensation,” Nayak insisted.
In response, senior counsel Nayana Mayagowda, defending Prajwal, argued that the prosecution was attempting to influence the court through public emotion. “He is a young former MP who entered politics with noble intentions. Why did these videos emerge during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections? This is politically motivated,” she contended.
She further claimed that the victim had not been ostracized and is now living with her husband and children. “It is Prajwal whose life has been ruined. The media has damaged his reputation, and he has already spent 1.4 years in prison,” she asserted.
This prompted strong objections from SPP Jagadish, who labeled the remarks about the victim as inappropriate. Nevertheless, Mayagowda maintained that Prajwal had suffered more.
The court also recorded the emotional final statement of Prajwal Revanna, who became visibly upset during his submission.
The decision regarding the punishment is expected to be announced shortly.
Prajwal, the grandson of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, was convicted on Friday for his involvement in a case of rape and the circulation of obscene videos. The complaint was lodged by a domestic worker from K.R. Nagar. Throughout the trial, the court evaluated 26 pieces of evidence. He is also facing three other similar accusations.
Videos allegedly depicting Prajwal assaulting women surfaced during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Following the polling, he fled the country and was arrested upon his return to Bengaluru on May 31, 2024.