Former Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna has been handed a life sentence by a Special Court in Bengaluru, following his conviction in a rape case involving a 48-year-old domestic worker employed at his family’s farmhouse.

Revanna, the grandson of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and a former JD(S) leader, was found guilty of multiple offences, including rape, sexual harassment, voyeurism, destruction of digital evidence, and violations under the Information Technology Act.

The survivour, a domestic help at the Gannikada farmhouse in Holenarasipura, alleged she was sexually assaulted twice in 2021—once at the farmhouse and again at Revanna’s residence in Bengaluru. She also claimed that the accused filmed the assaults on his phone. Her complaint was filed after being rescued from a farmhouse near Mysuru in April this year, where she alleged she had been confined to silence her.

During sentencing, prosecutors strongly argued for the maximum punishment, citing the gravity of the crimes and the power imbalance between the victim and the accused. Judge Santosh Gajanana Bhat delivered the verdict nearly 14 months after Revanna was initially arrested. The trial, however, progressed swiftly—completed within eight weeks across 38 court sessions.

Court documents show that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) reviewed over 180 documents and cross-examined 26 witnesses, producing a five-volume charge sheet totaling 1,800 pages. The SIT was formed after multiple sexual abuse allegations against Revanna surfaced earlier this year.

Revanna was in court as the sentence was read. He reportedly broke down in tears and pleaded for leniency but was remanded into custody immediately after the judgment.

This case is one of four sexual assault cases registered against him. The allegations came into public view in the lead-up to the April 26 Lok Sabha election in Hassan, when pen drives allegedly containing explicit videos involving Revanna were widely circulated.

Soon after the videos went viral, Revanna flew to Germany, sparking criticism and controversy. He returned to India post-elections and was arrested at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, on May 31.

Following his arrest, the JD(S) suspended him from the party. Once a three-time MP, Revanna lost his bid for re-election in the 2024 general polls amid mounting legal troubles.

He remains under investigation in three more cases arising from the same SIT probe.