Former MP Found Guilty in Heinous Rape Case
A Special Court in Bengaluru sentenced Prajwal Revanna, former Janata Dal (Secular) member of Parliament, to life imprisonment in a rape case, so this marks a massive blow to political impunity and large milestone in the fight against sexual violence at the hands of the powerful.
The court handed down this sentence after convicting him in the first formal complaint filed against him at the Holenarasipura Rural Police Station in Hassan District.
Convicted on Multiple Charges Including Repeated Rape
Additional City Civil and Sessions Judge Santhosh Gajanan Bhat found Revanna guilty under several IPC sections on August 1, 2025:
- Rape by a person in a position of authority is punishable by life in prison and a fine of ₹5 lakh under Section 376(2)(k)
- Convictions under the IPC statutes numbered 354A, 354B, 354C, 506, 201, and Section 66E of the IT Act added enhanced sentences of 2 years to 7 years with fines.
The victim worked as a housemaid at the family farm
The victim, Ashok Naik, was working as a maid at the farmhouse of Revanna’s family, according to the prosecution led by Special Public Prosecutors B.N. Jagadeesha.
It is alleged that Revanna repeatedly raped her during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2021, recorded the attacks at different locations, and used the recordings to blackmail her into silence.
SIT is looking into several cases against Revanna
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is investigating three cases involving Revanna.
After he returned from Germany, the SIT arrested him at Bengaluru Airport on May 30, 2024, in connection with Crime No. 107/2024 registered by the Holenarasipura Town Police. The court is presently holding him in judicial custody
Ordered Concurrent Sentencing and Compensation
The survivor will receive most of the ₹11.25 lakh in damages awarded from the fines levied, with the State getting the balance.
The court ordered the accused to serve all jail terms concurrently.
A landmark ruling sends a strong legal message
Many, particularly decision-makers, see this ruling as a clear statement against sexual abuse, and they believe it conveys the court’s determination to deliver justice to survivors of sexual assault, indicating that no one is above the law.