The Fall of Prajwal Revanna: From Parliament to Prison

A Political Legacy Tarnished

The Fall of Prajwal Revanna – In Indian politics, dynasties often shape destinies. Prajwal Revanna, grandson of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and son of former Karnataka Minister H.D. Revanna, was born into privilege and power. Groomed for leadership, he entered Parliament as a Janata Dal (Secular) MP from Hassan in 2019, becoming one of the youngest members of the Lok Sabha.

But behind the polished speeches and campaign rallies, a darker narrative was unfolding, one that would eventually shatter his career, disgrace his family, and send shockwaves through the political landscape of Karnataka.

The Scandal That Shook Karnataka

In April 2024, just days before the Lok Sabha elections, explicit videos began circulating online. They allegedly showed Prajwal sexually assaulting multiple women, footage reportedly recorded on his own mobile phone. The timing was explosive. The JD(S)-BJP alliance scrambled to contain the damage, but the scandal had already taken root.

One of the women in the videos, a 48-year-old domestic worker employed at the Revanna family’s farmhouse, came forward with a harrowing account. She alleged that Prajwal had raped her twice, once at the farmhouse in Hassan and again at a residence in Bengaluru in 2021. Her testimony, backed by forensic evidence, became the cornerstone of the prosecution’s case.

The Investigation: A 1,632-Page Charge Sheet

The Karnataka government formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the allegations. What followed was a meticulous investigation involving:

• 113 witnesses
• DNA analysis linking bodily fluids to Prajwal
• Digital forensics confirming the authenticity of the videos
• Testimony from a whistleblower, Prajal’s former driver, who discovered over 2,000 obscene images and dozens of videos on the MP’s phone

The SIT’s charge sheet ran over 1,600 pages, painting a chilling portrait of abuse, manipulation, and entitlement.

The Trial: Justice in the Face of Power

The trial was held in the Special Court for MPs and MLAs in Bengaluru. On August 1, 2025, Judge Santosh Gajanan Bhat convicted Prajwal Revanna of rape, sexual harassment, voyeurism, criminal intimidation, and destruction of evidence.

The next day, the court handed down its sentence:

• Life imprisonment for the remainder of his natural life
• Fines totaling ₹11.50 lakh, with ₹11.25 lakh directed to the survivor
• Additional rigorous imprisonment for other charges under IPC and the IT Act

The verdict was historic, not just for its severity, but for its symbolism. A powerful man had been held accountable, despite his political clout and family connections.

The Prisoner Number 15528

On August 3, 2025, Prajwal Revanna was assigned prisoner number 15528 at Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara Central Prison. He reportedly broke down during his medical check-up, expressing anguish and disbelief. Once a parliamentarian, he now resides in a high-security cell, wearing the standard convict uniform.

He has appealed the conviction in the High Court, but for now, his fate is sealed.

The Survivor’s Story

The survivor’s courage cannot be overstated. A domestic worker with limited means, she stood up to one of the most powerful families in Karnataka. Her statement revealed:

• She was raped twice in 2021
• The acts were recorded without her consent
• She was threatened with blackmail if she spoke out
• She was allegedly held captive in a farmhouse after the videos leaked

Her bravery ignited a movement, inspiring other women to come forward in related cases.

The Psychology of Power and Predation

Prajal’s case is a textbook example of how unchecked power can breed impunity. As an MP, he wielded influence over law enforcement, media narratives, and public perception. But his downfall reveals:

• The fragility of political privilege
• The importance of digital evidence in modern justice
• The resilience of survivors in the face of intimidation

His defense argued that the case was politically motivated, citing the timing of the complaint—just six days before the election. But the court dismissed these claims, focusing on the overwhelming evidence.

Political Fallout: JD(S) in Crisis

The JD(S), already struggling to maintain relevance, faced a credibility crisis. Prajwal’s arrest and conviction tarnished the party’s image, especially in its stronghold of Hassan. His defeat in the 2024 election, losing to a Congress candidate, was a precursor to the storm that followed.

Party leaders distanced themselves, and internal rifts deepened. The scandal also impacted the BJP-JD(S) alliance, raising questions about candidate vetting and accountability.

Public Reaction: Outrage and Reflection

Social media erupted with reactions ranging from outrage to relief. Many hailed the verdict as a victory for justice, while others lamented the erosion of trust in elected officials.

Women’s rights groups praised the survivor’s courage and called for systemic reforms, including:

• Stronger protections for domestic workers
• Faster trials in sexual assault cases
• Mandatory ethics training for public servants

The case also reignited debates about the role of media in exposing abuse and the dangers of political dynasties shielding misconduct.

What Comes Next?

Prajal’s legal team has filed an appeal in the Karnataka High Court. But even if the sentence is reduced, the damage to his reputation is irreversible. He is also facing three additional cases of sexual abuse, which could lead to further convictions.

Meanwhile, the survivor has received compensation and support from advocacy groups. Her story is being documented as part of a broader campaign against gender-based violence.

A Turning Point for Indian Justice?

The conviction of Prajwal Revanna may mark a turning point in India’s fight against sexual violence, especially when the accused is politically powerful. It sends a message that:

• No one is above the law
• Digital evidence can be decisive
• Survivors deserve to be heard and protected

It also underscores the need for judicial independence, robust investigations, and public vigilance.

Final Thoughts: The Fall and the Reckoning

Prajwal Revanna’s journey, from Parliament to prisoner number 15528, is a cautionary tale. It’s a story of privilege abused, justice pursued, and courage rewarded.

In a country where survivors often face stigma and silence, this case offers hope. Hope that truth can prevail. That power can be held accountable. And that even the most entrenched systems can be shaken by a single voice.

Also read – 21 Deaths in 40 Days: Mysterious Surge in Young Heart Attack Deaths Alarms Karnataka’s Hassan District