Karnataka Court sentenced Prajwal Revanna to life imprisonment in rape trial after confirming sexual assault and blackmail through forensic digital evidence and credible victim statements.
Case in News
Karnataka Court sentences Prajwal Revanna to life in rape trial for repeated sexual assaults .
Case Overview
Case Name – State of Karnataka vs. Prajwal Revanna (2024)
A Karnataka Court, presided by Additional City Civil and Sessions Judge Santhosh Gajanan Bhat convicted former JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna in a sensational rape trial involving repeated rape and blackmail of a domestic worker . The court sentenced him to life imprisonment and directed payment of ₹11 lakh as compensation to the victim . The case gained national attention following the leak of hundreds of sexual assault videos online .
Key Aspects
The case uncovered horrifying acts of sexual violence, abuse of power and digital exploitation committed over years . The court carefully evaluated witness statements, digital evidence and the sequence of events before conviction .
- The victim, a domestic worker, was raped repeatedly since 2021 under threats and blackmail .
- Revanna recorded the acts and used the footage to silence the victim .
- Over 2,900 videos were allegedly leaked prompting public outcry and police action .
- Revanna fled to Germany post-elections and was arrested upon return .
- The SIT filed a detailed charge sheet based on forensic and digital evidence .
Legal Insights
The court examined applicable penal and cyber provisions ensuring each charge was supported by concrete evidence . It reinforced that serious offences require strict punishment regardless of the accused’s public standing .
- Section 376(2)(k), IPC – Rape by a person in a dominant position : Life imprisonment and ₹5 lakh fine .
- Section 376(2)(n), IPC – Repeated rape on the same woman : Life imprisonment till natural death and ₹5 lakh fine .
- Section 354A, IPC – Sexual harassment : 3 years’ imprisonment and ₹25,000 fine .
- Section 354B, IPC – Assault to disrobe : 7 years’ imprisonment and ₹50,000 fine .
- Section 354C, IPC – Voyeurism : 3 years’ imprisonment and ₹25,000 fine .
- Section 506, IPC – Criminal intimidation : 2 years’ imprisonment and ₹10,000 fine .
- Section 201, IPC – Disappearance of evidence : 3 years’ imprisonment and ₹20,000 fine .
- Section 66E, IT Act, 2008 – Sharing private images without consent : 3 years’ imprisonment and ₹25,000 fine .
Court’s Verdict
The Karnataka Court sentenced Prajwal Revanna to life imprisonment under key IPC sections for rape and sexual exploitation . The rape trial verdict rested on forensic proof and credible testimony, with the court emphasizing the inviolability of victim rights and accountability of powerful individuals .
Source – India Code
Read also – Sexual harassment
