First conviction in series of sexual assault cases against suspended leader
The conviction marks the first in a series of four sexual assault cases filed against the 34-year-old, who has been suspended from his party amid mounting public and political pressure.
The case pertains to two incidents in 2021, when the victim — employed at the influential Revanna family's Gannikada farmhouse in Holenarasipura, Hassan district — was allegedly assaulted by Prajwal. One assault took place at the farmhouse, and another at a residence in Bengaluru. Shockingly, Revanna is reported to have recorded the crimes on his mobile phone.
Court delivers stern verdict
Presided over by Judge Santosh Gajanan Bhat, the special court designated for cases involving MPs and MLAs delivered its verdict on Friday, with sentencing announced on Saturday. During the hearing, the prosecution strongly urged the court to impose the maximum punishment, highlighting the severity of the crime and the power imbalance involved.
Revanna, the grandson of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, had previously represented Hassan in the Lok Sabha. His fall from political grace began earlier this year when multiple women came forward accusing him of sexual violence and misconduct.
The life sentence sets a legal precedent and is seen as a significant move toward accountability in cases involving powerful political figures.