Karnataka sex scandal: Life term for ex-MP Prajwal Revanna, grandson of former Indian PM, in rape case

A special court in Bengaluru, India, on Friday found former Member of Parliament Prajwal Revanna guilty in a high-profile sexual assault and obscene video case involving a domestic worker.

The case, which sparked widespread public and political outrage across India, includes graphic video evidence and multiple allegations of sexual violence.

Revanna, 51, is the grandson of former Indian Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, and was a sitting MP from the regional Janata Dal (Secular) party at the time the allegations surfaced.

He appeared visibly distressed in court as the verdict was read out by Judge Santhosh Gajanana Bhat, reportedly breaking down in tears following the ruling. Sentencing is scheduled for Saturday, after final arguments from the defence.

Revanna has been in judicial custody for 14 months. The current conviction is linked to a complaint filed by a domestic worker in the town of K.R. Nagar, one of at least four similar criminal cases pending against him.

India’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) reviewed 26 pieces of evidence, including digital video files, forensic samples, and statements from victims, to build its case.

The scandal erupted during the 2024 Indian general elections, after several videos emerged online allegedly showing Revanna sexually assaulting women. One widely circulated video reportedly depicts an elderly domestic worker being assaulted at a farmhouse in southern Karnataka state.

In the footage, the woman is seen pleading for mercy, telling Revanna she had served his family for years — a moment that triggered nationwide outrage.

Shortly after the video leaks, Revanna fled the country. He returned to the southern city of Bengaluru on May 31, 2024, reportedly under pressure from family members, including his grandfather Deve Gowda and uncle H.D. Kumaraswamy, a senior federal minister.

Revanna was arrested immediately upon arrival and has remained in Bengaluru Central Jail, with multiple bail pleas rejected.

Revanna is charged under multiple sections of India’s criminal code, including:

He also faces charges under India’s Information Technology Act for allegedly recording and distributing videos of the assaults.

Authorities say the case is backed by strong forensic evidence, including DNA samples, victim testimony, and digital video material recovered from devices linked to Revanna.