Who Is Prajwal Revanna? Ex-MP Convicted in Rape Case Filed by Domestic Worker

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A Bengaluru special court on Friday found former MP Prajwal Revanna guilty in a rape and sexual abuse case that was filed in 2024. The guilty verdict, which is linked to a complaint lodged by a domestic help, is the first judicial judgment in a series of damning charges against the now-outgoing JD(S) leader. The sentence will be announced on August 2, Saturday.

Prajwal Revanna also has at least three more rape cases against him, all lodged based on complaints after over 2,000 sexually explicit video clips appeared on the internet, supposedly recorded by him. He is also under investigation for other crimes under the IT Act and destruction of electronic evidence. 

Who Is Prajwal Revanna?

Prajwal Revanna is the son of senior JD(S) leader HD Revanna and grandson of former PM HD Deve Gowda. In 2019, he won his maiden Lok Sabha election from Hassan, a constituency which is a traditional JD(S) bastion in Karnataka.

He was considered the party’s next-generation face, commonly referred to as its youth icon. His political ascent was meteoric—driven by dynasty, visibility, and party backing. His descent was quicker.

In April 2024, there was a huge sex abuse scandal in which Revanna was involved. Thousands of video clips that allegedly depicted him sexually assaulting several women appeared on the internet. He left the country shortly after the videos became viral. After going missing for almost a month, he returned to India, where he was arrested.

Rape Cases So Far

Four individual rape cases have been lodged against Prajwal Revanna:

The Holenarasipura Case – By a house worker who had accused Revanna of raping her several times since 2021 and terrorizing her with a video as evidence. This is the case that resulted in Friday’s conviction.

Campaign Volunteer Case – Another victim, who was part of Revanna’s poll campaign, claimed to have been sexually assaulted and recorded against her will.

Former Office Staffer Case – A woman who worked in Revanna’s office made a complaint, saying she was harassed, raped, and blackmailed based on a video recording.

Event Organizer’s Testimony – A woman associated with the JD(S) event group approached a charge, saying Revanna physically assaulted her during official travel, once again recording the act.

In all the cases, survivors have claimed they were recorded without permission and blackmailed into being quiet.

Four FIRs, Multiple Allegations

1. Domestic Help Case (First FIR)

Reported on April 28, 2024, by a woman who works at the family farmhouse, she accused Revanna of serial rape since 2021, imprisonment, and threats on video. The SIT chargesheet details assault at several places, forced video recording, and threats if she spoke out about the abuse.

2. Political Worker Allegation

On May 2, a JD(S) campaign staff member, aged 44, claimed blackmail and sexual assault. She said that the acts took place in official quarters and were recorded digitally to extort submission between 2021 and April 2024.

3. Farm Worker FIR

On May 8, there was another FIR from a woman who worked at the farmhouse for years. She accused Revanna of repeated rape and said she was being held against her will on the premises.

4. Sexual Harassment, Stalking & IT Offences

One FIR filed on June 25 charges sexual harassment, stalking, criminal intimidation, and illegal recording during a video call. It mentions three others, one of whom is an ex-BJP MLA, who allegedly forwarded the clip

All FIRs contain charges under IPC Sections 376(2)(k/n), 354A/B/C/D, 506, 201 and Section 66E of the IT Act.

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Domestic Worker Who Spoke Up

The first survivor to make an accusation was a woman employed as domestic help at the Revanna family’s farmhouse. Her complaint shattered the silence and created a chain reaction. She alleged he had raped her multiple times since 2021 and had warned her of showing video clippings if she spoke to anyone.

This case brought the power imbalance in the home to light. A house worker, without political support, challenged one of Karnataka’s most powerful political inheritors. Her bravery emboldened others to voice criticism.

Activists now contend that her case is not only sexual abuse, but also class, status, and silence exploitation.

How Silence Insulated Power?

For months—perhaps years—alleged crimes went unreported. Revanna’s political position probably postponed investigation and scrutiny. Though there were rumblings within the party, the JD(S) kicked him out only after video clips made it to the people and the media sensationalized survivor voices.

Legal experts and women’s rights activists assert that this case shows the deep-seated rot in political accountability. Many now demand reforms that ensure that powerful players cannot escape the law.

What’s Next for Revanna?

With the first conviction on his head, Prajwal Revanna now has several trials to contend with. If found guilty in the other three cases, he would have to spend a considerable jail term.

His political life is finished, but the battles in court are just beginning. The court’s August 2 judgment will open a new page—not only for Revanna, but also for how India’s judicial system deals with sexual offences committed by powerful people.