Verdict in Prajwal Revanna Rape Case Postponed to August 1

The Special Court for MPs and MLAs in Bengaluru has postponed its verdict in the rape and obscene video case involving former JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna to August 1. Revanna is the grandson of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda.

The court said it needed further clarifications before delivering the judgment. After hearing both sides and giving instructions, the matter was adjourned.

Two key clarifications were requested by the judge:

1. Whether Google Maps data could be accepted as valid evidence.
2. The circumstances around the seizure of a Samsung J4 mobile phone, allegedly linked to Prajwal Revanna.

The prosecution claimed that the mobile phone was recovered during a spot inspection. However, Revanna’s legal team argued that the phone was not in his possession at the time of his arrest and therefore could not be used as evidence.

The judge instructed both sides to submit only clarifications, without further arguments.

Background of the Case

The case is based on a rape complaint filed by a domestic worker from K.R. Nagar, along with several other charges.

During the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, a series of videos allegedly showing Prajwal Revanna sexually assaulting women surfaced. These videos caused massive public outrage. One video, in particular, showed an elderly domestic worker pleading with Prajwal to spare her, saying she had served food to his father and family elders.

After the elections, Prajwal fled the country, but returned to Bengaluru on May 31, 2024, following public appeals from H.D. Deve Gowda and H.D. Kumaraswamy. He was immediately arrested and has been lodged in Bengaluru Central Jail for the last 14 months. His bail applications have been repeatedly rejected.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has charged him under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including:

• Section 376(2)(n): Repeated rape
• Section 506: Criminal intimidation
• Section 354A(1): Sexual harassment
• Section 354B: Use of criminal force to disrobe a woman
• Section 354C: Voyeurism
• Plus, applicable sections of the Information Technology Act

The court has examined 26 pieces of evidence so far in the case.

The verdict, now due on August 1, is expected to be closely watched.