Prajwal Revanna’s Final Statement Recorded; Sentencing in Obscene Video and Rape Case at 2:45 PM Today

Bengaluru, Aug 25 : The Special Court for MPs and MLAs in Bengaluru on Saturday recorded the final statement of former JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna, who was convicted on Friday in the sensational obscene video and rape case. The court is scheduled to pronounce the quantum of punishment at 2:45 PM today.

Prajwal Revanna, grandson of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, appeared visibly emotional during his final statement. Breaking down in court, Revanna questioned the timing of the allegations, claiming they were politically motivated and surfaced only during the election period. “Why did this case emerge during elections? When I was an MP, no one lodged any complaints. Now, suddenly, they claim I committed multiple assaults. Why did no one come forward back then?” he asked.

He further alleged that the police were complicit in orchestrating the case to damage him politically. “This is politically driven. I will respect the court’s verdict. I haven’t seen my parents for six months,” Prajwal said with folded hands.

When Judge Santosh Bhat inquired about his educational qualifications, Prajwal stated that he holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering. “I am a meritorious student. You may verify my academic records. My only fault is that I climbed the political ladder too quickly. I won’t blame the media,” he added, attempting to defend his character.

The court also heard the concluding arguments from the two Special Public Prosecutors representing the state and the senior defense counsel advocating on Prajwal’s behalf. With this, all statements and arguments in the case have been formally recorded, paving the way for the sentencing later in the day.

On Friday, Judge Santosh Bhat had delivered the conviction verdict, declaring Prajwal Revanna guilty in the obscene video and rape case. The complaint was originally filed by a domestic worker from K.R. Nagar, who accused Revanna of sexual assault and other offenses. The court examined 26 pieces of evidence during the trial.

This is one of four similar cases lodged against Prajwal Revanna, involving allegations of sexual assault, criminal intimidation, and the unlawful recording of women in compromising situations.

The controversy erupted when videos allegedly showing Prajwal sexually assaulting multiple women were leaked during the Lok Sabha election campaign. The videos caused massive outrage, especially one that purportedly showed the sexual assault of an elderly domestic worker at a farmhouse in Holenarasipura. In the video, the woman is seen pleading with Prajwal, reminding him of her long-standing service to his family.

Following the initial complaint filed by a victim from Holenarasipura, Prajwal fled the country. Despite repeated summons, he remained absconding until May 31, 2024, when he returned to Bengaluru and was arrested by the city police. His return came after public appeals by his grandfather, former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, and his uncle, Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy.

Since his arrest, Prajwal Revanna has been lodged in Bengaluru Central Jail for the past 14 months. Multiple bail applications were filed but were rejected by courts at all levels.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) filed cases against Revanna under IPC Sections 376(2)(n) (repeated rape), 506 (criminal intimidation), 354A(1) (sexual harassment), 354B (assault with intent to disrobe), 354C (voyeurism), and relevant sections of the Information Technology Act.

Police sources confirmed that they have gathered substantial evidence in this case. This includes the victim’s detailed statement, forensic examination of clothing with semen samples allegedly linked to Revanna, and explicit video footage corroborating the assault.

The sentencing, which is expected to draw national attention, will be announced this afternoon.

Team Maverick.