The SIT report states that Revanna took advantage of his position, influence, and the vulnerability of the survivor, committing the crimes over an extended period.
Published Apr 05, 2025 | 4:24 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 05, 2025 | 4:24 PM
Prajwal Revanna.
Synopsis: Former MP Prajwal Revanna has been formally charged with rape, sexual assault and criminal intimidation by a special court in Bengaluru. The charges follow an investigation by a state-appointed Special Investigation Team. A domestic worker has accused Revanna of repeatedly assaulting her during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2021.
A special court in Bengaluru has formally charged former MP Prajwal Revanna with multiple counts of sexual assault, following a detailed investigation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) established by the Karnataka government.
The court has charged Revanna under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Section 376(2)(k) for rape by a person in a position of control, Section 376(2)(n) for repeated rape, Section 354-A for sexual harassment, Section 354-B for assault with intent to disrobe, Section 354-C for voyeurism, Section 506 for criminal intimidation, and Section 201 for destruction of evidence.
He has also been charged under Section 66E of the Information Technology Act, which relates to the violation of privacy through the electronic transmission of private images.
The charges, read out justice Santhosh Gajanan Bhat on 3 April, stem from a complaint filed by a domestic worker, who alleged that Revanna raped and sexually assaulted her at his farmhouse in Holenarasipura and at his residence in Bengaluru during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2021.
The SIT report states that Revanna took advantage of his position, influence, and the vulnerability of the survivor, committing the crimes over an extended period.
It further outlines how the survivor was allegedly subjected to threats, surveillance, and manipulation to deter her from reporting the incidents.
According to the SIT, Revanna recorded videos of the assaults on his mobile phone, threatened the survivor with serious consequences if she spoke out, and later destroyed the phone to eliminate evidence.
Revanna is the grandson of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda. He served as a Janata Dal (Secular) MP representing the Hassan constituency.
The case drew national attention in April 2024 after explicit videos allegedly showing Revanna assaulting multiple women surfaced online.
In response to the public outcry, the state government formed the SIT on 27 April 2024 to investigate the allegations.
Shortly after the original allegations surfaced, he left for Germany, reportedly using a diplomatic passport.
He returned on 31 May 2024 following sustained public and political pressure, and was arrested upon arrival at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
