By Srinivas Rayappa
When Power Meets Impunity: A Conviction That Shook Karnataka’s Political Dynasty
An in-depth investigation into how a land dispute, a brutal assault on a pregnant woman, and a driver’s revenge brought down the grandson of a former Prime Minister.
On August 2, 2025, as monsoon clouds gathered over Bengaluru, Prajwal Revanna—once the rising star of Karnataka’s most powerful political dynasty—stood in the dock of a special court, tears streaming down his face. The 34-year-old grandson of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda had just been sentenced to life imprisonment for rape. But this wasn’t just another conviction; it was the culmination of a shocking saga that began with a driver’s quest for revenge and ended with one of India’s most significant verdicts against political impunity.
Judge Santhosh Gajanan Bhat’s pronouncement was unequivocal: “Imprisonment for life which shall mean imprisonment for the remainder of that person’s natural life.” The court imposed a cumulative fine of ₹11.5 lakh, with ₹11.25 lakh to be paid as compensation to the victim—a 48-year-old domestic worker who had endured unspeakable horrors at the hands of a man who wielded his political power like a weapon.
The Genesis of Revenge: A Driver’s Shattered Dreams
The story that would ultimately topple Prajwal Revanna began not in the corridors of power, but in a modest coconut plantation in Hassan. Karthik N., who had served as a driver for the Revanna family since 2009, had managed to build something remarkable through years of hard work and a side business selling mutton to Bengaluru restaurants. His small farmhouse, surrounded by swaying coconut trees, represented everything he had worked for—a symbol of upward mobility in a society where drivers rarely transcend their station.
According to Karthik’s detailed video testimony, the turning point came when he invited Bhavani Revanna, Prajwal’s mother, to his farm for a meal. She was impressed—perhaps too impressed. Days later, she summoned him and made a demand that would set in motion a chain of events leading to her son’s downfall: transfer the property to her name.
When Karthik refused, Bhavani Revanna couldn’t digest the rejection. In her world, drivers were meant to be obedient and subservient. The word “no” from someone she considered beneath her station was an affront to the natural order of things.
A Night of Horror: The Assault That Changed Everything
What happened next, according to Karthik’s testimony, was a scene of medieval brutality in modern India. One night, Bhavani Revanna allegedly sent a police constable along with goons to forcibly bring Karthik and his wife to the family farmhouse. The intimidation escalated when the couple continued to refuse the land transfer.
In a moment that would haunt the family forever, Bhavani allegedly slapped them, hurled abuse, and then—in an act of unconscionable cruelty—kicked Karthik’s pregnant wife in the stomach. The woman fell to the ground in agony, pleading at Bhavani’s feet, begging for mercy for her unborn child. But mercy was not forthcoming.
Faced with unbearable pain and fearing for their unborn child’s life, the couple finally relented and agreed to transfer the property. But the damage was done—Karthik’s wife suffered a miscarriage, a loss the couple blamed entirely on Bhavani Revanna.
The driver who had once been loyal to the family now harbored a burning desire for revenge. Little did the Revannas know that they had created their own nemesis.
The Discovery: 2,976 Videos of Horror
Opportunity for revenge came in an unexpected form. One day, while driving, Karthik noticed Prajwal sleeping in the car. The MP had left his phone behind when visiting a friend’s house in Jayanagar. Karthik, who knew the password from years of proximity to his employer, accessed the device out of curiosity—and what he found shocked him to his core.
The phone contained over 2,000 explicit photographs and 40-50 videos showing Prajwal engaging in sexual acts with multiple women. Many were party workers, domestic helps, and other women from Hassan’s political circles. In video after video, women could be seen pleading, crying, and begging for mercy while Prajwal, holding his phone in one hand, recorded his crimes.
According to court testimony, Karthik initially informed Bhavani Revanna about her son’s depravity. Her response was telling—she demanded to see the evidence and then instructed him never to speak of it again. The family’s priority was not justice for the victims but protecting their political heir.
The Investigation: Building an Airtight Case
When the Special Investigation Team (SIT) took over the case in April 2024, they faced a monumental challenge. The videos showed horrific crimes, but Prajwal’s face was never visible. The prosecution needed irrefutable evidence to prove it was indeed the MP in those videos.
The Digital Evidence Trail
The investigation began with PW.10 Karthik’s crucial testimony. He explained to the court how he had transferred the videos from Prajwal’s phone—first to his Vivo mobile, then later to his Samsung Galaxy J4. The SIT meticulously traced this digital trail, with forensic expert PW.13 Hemesh Kumar from the FSL conducting detailed analysis of the video files.
The team discovered that the videos weren’t edited or morphed—they were authentic recordings. Certificate under Section 65(B) of the Indian Evidence Act was properly obtained, ensuring the digital evidence would be admissible in court. The forensic team created hash values to prove the integrity of the digital files, establishing an unbroken chain of custody from Prajwal’s phone to the court.
The Forensic Breakthrough: Anatomical Mapping
The most innovative aspect of the investigation involved forensic superimposition—a technique borrowed from international child pornography cases in Turkey and Japan. When Prajwal returned from Germany and was arrested on May 31, 2024, he initially cooperated with general medical examination but refused to allow photographs of his body parts.
The SIT sought judicial permission under Section 53A of the Criminal Procedure Code. A team of specialists was assembled:
- PW.16 Dr. K.V. Sathish and PW.17 Dr. Thejaswi R. conducted the medical examination
- PW.18 Dr. B.M. Girish led the forensic analysis team
- PW.13 Hemesh Kumar handled the photographic evidence
On June 15, 2024, the team photographed specific identification marks on Prajwal’s body. They captured nine distinct PPT (PowerPoint presentations) containing detailed images of:
- Moles and skin pigmentation patterns on his hands
- Unique vascular patterns on his genitals
- Scars and other distinctive marks on various body parts
- Vein structures that could be matched with the videos
The forensic report (Ex. P75) concluded that “the visible features in both images, particularly the pattern and placement of the vein, strongly suggest that the visible characteristics are consistent across two visuals and both images depicted the same individual.”
DNA: The Smoking Gun
Perhaps the most damning evidence came from DNA analysis conducted by PW.20 Shahnaz Fathima, Assistant Director of the DNA Section at FSL Bengaluru. The investigation uncovered crucial physical evidence:
- The Mattress Evidence: On May 10, 2024, investigators found stains on a white mattress (6 feet x 6 feet) in Prajwal’s bedroom at the Basavanagudi residence. The upper portion was carefully cut and preserved under mahazar Ex. P4.
- The Petticoat Discovery: At the Gannikada farmhouse, investigators found the victim’s petticoat that had remained untouched for nearly three years. This garment, visible in one of the videos, contained biological material.
- The DNA Match: The DNA report (Ex. P59) revealed:
- Y-chromosome DNA profile from stains on the victim’s saree matched Prajwal’s DNA profile
- Semen found on the petticoat matched Prajwal’s DNA
- The victim’s DNA was also detected on the same garment
- Hair follicles and body fluids on the clothes matched Prajwal’s samples
Voice Analysis and Location Verification
The SIT conducted sophisticated voice analysis to match the audio in the videos with Prajwal’s voice. PW.11 Prasad B.R. supervised the collection of voice samples under mahazar Ex. P42. The victim was asked to read specific transcripts, and her voice was scientifically compared with the female voice in the videos—they matched perfectly.
Similarly, Prajwal’s voice samples were analyzed and matched with the male voice in the recordings. The audio analysis confirmed both individuals’ identities beyond reasonable doubt.
Location verification provided additional corroboration:
- The distinctive floor tiles in the videos matched those in Prajwal’s room at Gannikada farmhouse
- The curtains, wall décor, and room layout visible in the videos corresponded exactly with his Basavanagudi residence
- Investigators conducted detailed mahazars (Ex. P19) documenting 11 specific items that appeared in both the videos and the actual locations
The Victim’s Testimony: The Cornerstone of Justice
While forensic evidence was crucial, the victim’s testimony formed the emotional and legal cornerstone of the case. The 48-year-old woman’s evidence, given as PW.1, was both harrowing and compelling.
The Pattern of Abuse
She testified about two specific incidents with chilling detail:
First Incident at Gannikada Farmhouse: She described how Prajwal called her to his first-floor bedroom on the pretext of collecting clothes for washing. Despite her reluctance and fear from previous incidents, his commanding voice forced her to comply. He latched the door and forcibly raped her while recording on his mobile phone. She testified: “Even when I pleaded ‘Anna Please Leave Me’ and touched his feet saying I was of his mother’s age, he did not stop.”
Second Incident at Basavanagudi: During a three-day stay for house cleaning, Prajwal again summoned her to his third-floor room. When she didn’t come immediately, he raised his voice threateningly. Once inside, he locked the door and raped her again, all while recording the assault. She told the court: “He forcibly removed my blouse though I had not heeded to his request… even at that point of time he was holding a Mobile Phone and recording.”
Explaining the Silence
The court carefully considered why the victim remained silent for years. She provided compelling reasons:
- Economic vulnerability: Her family survived on ₹10,000 monthly salary
- Fear for her daughters’ safety and future
- The overwhelming power differential between a maid and an MP’s family
- Lack of faith that anyone would believe her word against a powerful politician
Her sister PW.4 Shyamala corroborated parts of her testimony, noting she had seen the victim crying silently and complaining of headaches after returning from work—classic signs of trauma that the victim had hidden behind physical ailments.
The Legal Framework: Multiple Charges, Comprehensive Justice
The prosecution charged Prajwal under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code and IT Act, each addressing different aspects of his crimes:
IPC Section 376(2)(n) – Repeated Rape
This charge addressed the pattern of sexual assault—the same woman raped multiple times. The court noted this wasn’t a single incident but a sustained pattern of abuse. The life imprisonment under this section specifically stated “remainder of natural life”—ensuring no early release.
IPC Section 376(2)(k) – Rape by Person in Authority
The court emphasized Prajwal’s position as an MP and member of the employer family. The judgment stated: “The accused Prajwal Revanna was holding a high position as a public servant and was a Member of Parliament having control over the dominion over the victim who was working as maid for monthly salary in their Farm House.”
IPC Sections 354-A, 354-B, 354-C – Sexual Harassment, Disrobing, Voyeurism
These charges addressed the broader pattern of sexual violence:
- Making sexual overtures and inappropriate touching
- Using criminal force to disrobe the victim
- Recording private acts without consent
IPC Section 506 – Criminal Intimidation
The threats to release the videos to her son if she spoke up constituted criminal intimidation. The victim testified that Prajwal explicitly threatened to send the videos to her son PW.2 Raju if she disclosed the incidents.
IPC Section 201 – Destruction of Evidence
The prosecution proved Prajwal destroyed his mobile phone containing the original recordings to screen evidence of his crimes.
IT Act Section 66(E) – Violation of Privacy
Recording intimate acts without consent and the subsequent circulation of these videos violated privacy laws. This charge recognized the digital dimension of his crimes.
The Judge’s Analysis: Why the Conviction Was Inevitable
Judge Santhosh Gajanan Bhat’s 468-page judgment methodically dismantled every defense argument while building an ironclad case for conviction.
On the Victim’s Credibility
The judge applied the “sterling witness” test established by Supreme Court precedents. He noted:
- The victim’s testimony remained consistent throughout
- Minor discrepancies actually enhanced credibility (perfect recall would be suspicious)
- Her explanation for delayed reporting was reasonable given her circumstances
- No motive existed for false accusations against such a powerful family
The judge specifically quoted the Supreme Court: “The evidence of a prosecutrix is more reliable than that of an injured witness. The testimony of the victim of sexual assault is vital, unless there are compelling reasons which necessitate looking for corroboration.”
On the Defense Arguments
Prajwal’s defense of total denial—claiming he never visited the farmhouse, never employed the victim, and wasn’t in the videos—crumbled against the evidence:
- Property Records: Documents proved the Gannikada farmhouse was controlled by his family
- Employment Evidence: Multiple witnesses confirmed the victim worked there
- Digital Footprint: The videos were traced directly from his phone
- Physical Evidence: DNA and anatomical markers provided irrefutable proof
- His Own Admissions: During cross-examination, Prajwal inadvertently admitted filing an injunction suit against Karthik about the videos—contradicting his claim they were fabricated
On Delayed Reporting
The judge addressed the defense’s argument about delayed reporting with sensitivity and legal precedent:
“Experience would indicate that at majority of the time it will be a herculean task for a woman and that too for a rustic villager to approach the authorities and intimate about the violations that had taken place on her person.”
He recognized the victim’s valid reasons for silence: economic dependence, social stigma, and the futility of challenging political power without evidence.
On Scientific Evidence
The judge praised the investigation’s scientific rigor, calling it “probably the first case in the state wherein the SIT had requested the Forensic Science Laboratory to super-impose the images.” He noted:
- The forensic superimposition was conducted with mathematical precision
- DNA evidence provided objective, incontrovertible proof
- Voice analysis added another layer of identification
- The cumulative effect of all evidence pointed to only one conclusion
The Aggravating Factors: Why Maximum Punishment Was Warranted
The court identified multiple aggravating factors that justified the maximum sentence:
Abuse of Power
“The accused was enjoying power… The question of commission of an offence by a Legislator is a serious aspect which is to be taken note of. In fact, the society looks at legislature with a fond hope of transforming the society.”
Victim’s Vulnerability
The court noted the vast power differential: “The victim is a rustic innocent villager who had come in search of her job… they had settled down to stay in the Farm House for a meager sum of Rs.10,000/- per month for their entire family.”
Recording as Additional Violation
The act of recording wasn’t just evidence preservation—it was an additional layer of violation. The judge observed: “The fact of misusing his power is a grave concern which requires to be considered by the Court very seriously.”
Public Humiliation Through Video Circulation
“The victim though is alive is facing the trauma everyday in her life and also the fact which remains is that she has been defamed in the society due to circulation of video consisting of her forcible sexual intercourse.”
Lack of Remorse
“During the entire course of proceedings, no remorse whatsoever was shown by the accused and in fact he went on making allegations against everyone.”
Post-Crime Conduct
The court considered his flight to Germany, attempts to destroy evidence, and the family’s alleged kidnapping of the victim as serious aggravating factors.
The Precedent: A Watershed Moment in Indian Jurisprudence
This case sets multiple legal precedents:
Forensic Innovation
The use of anatomical mapping and genital comparison, while controversial, was validated by the court as necessary when perpetrators hide their faces. This opens doors for prosecuting similar cases where traditional identification is impossible.
Digital Evidence Handling
The meticulous documentation of digital evidence—from extraction to presentation—provides a template for handling electronic evidence in sexual assault cases.
Fast-Track Justice
Completing the trial in 14 months (from FIR to sentencing) in a politically sensitive case proves that expeditious justice is possible even against powerful defendants.
Victim-Centric Approach
The judgment’s sensitive handling of victim testimony, acknowledging societal pressures and power dynamics, sets a compassionate precedent for future cases.
The Sentencing: Beyond Imprisonment
The court’s sentence was comprehensive and symbolic:
- Life imprisonment for the remainder of natural life under Section 376(2)(n)
- Life imprisonment under Section 376(2)(k)
- Seven years rigorous imprisonment under Section 354-B
- Three years each under Sections 354-A, 354-C, 201, and 66(E)
- Two years under Section 506
- Total fine of ₹11,60,000
- Victim compensation of ₹11,25,000
All sentences run concurrently, but the “remainder of natural life” specification ensures no premature release through remission or parole calculations.
The Aftermath: Ripple Effects of Justice
Political Consequences
- Prajwal lost his Hassan seat by 40,000+ votes
- JD(S) faced its first defeat in its stronghold
- The party’s reputation suffered irreparable damage
- Questions arose about how party leadership ignored warning signs
Legal Ramifications
- Three more cases against Prajwal await trial
- His parents face kidnapping charges
- The driver Karthik was arrested for leaking the videos
- Over 70 women were identified in videos, though most remain silent
Social Impact
- Victims forced to flee their homes due to shame
- Conversations about consent and power dynamics intensified
- Demand for stronger protection for domestic workers increased
- Questions raised about privacy violations even in service of justice
Unanswered Questions and Continuing Concerns
Despite the conviction, troubling questions persist:
- Systemic Failures: How did Prajwal accumulate thousands of videos over years without detection?
- Party Complicity: What did JD(S) leadership know and when?
- Police Inaction: Why didn’t local police act on earlier complaints?
- Other Victims: Will the remaining women in the videos ever get justice?
- Privacy Violations: How can justice be served without violating victims’ privacy through video circulation?
Conclusion: When David Defeats Goliath
The Prajwal Revanna case represents more than individual justice—it’s a tectonic shift in India’s approach to political privilege and sexual violence. A driver’s quest for revenge over a land dispute and his wife’s miscarriage exposed a pattern of horrific crimes that might otherwise have remained hidden forever.
The meticulous investigation, innovative forensic techniques, and courageous victim testimony combined to achieve what once seemed impossible: holding a powerful political scion accountable for his crimes. The life sentence sends an unequivocal message—political power cannot shield sexual predators from justice.
As Prajwal Revanna contemplates decades behind bars as prisoner number 15528, his case stands as both a cautionary tale and a beacon of hope. It warns the powerful that their impunity has limits, while assuring the vulnerable that justice, though delayed, is possible.
The investigation’s scientific rigor—from DNA analysis to anatomical mapping—demonstrates how modern forensics can overcome traditional evidentiary challenges. The judge’s sensitive yet firm handling of the case shows that courts can balance legal requirements with human dignity.
Yet this victory is bittersweet. The victims whose faces appeared in leaked videos may never fully recover from the public humiliation. The driver who exposed these crimes faces his own legal troubles. The broader culture that enabled such abuse for years remains largely unchanged.
Still, in a small courtroom in Bengaluru, the law proved that it stands taller than political pedestals. A domestic worker’s truth defeated a dynasty’s denials. Science triumphed over subterfuge. And a driver’s revenge, born from unbearable personal loss, ultimately served the cause of justice for many.
The question now is whether the Prajwal Revanna case marks a turning point in India’s fight against sexual violence by the powerful, or remains an exception in a system still struggling with accountability. What is certain is that on August 2, 2025, in Special Court Number 2627/2024, justice was not just done—it was seen to be done, meticulously, scientifically, and irrefutably.
As Judge Bhat’s words echo through legal history—”Be ye never so high, the law is above you”—they carry the weight of evidence carefully gathered, scientifically analyzed, and courageously presented. They remind us that in the end, truth has a way of surfacing, even from the deleted files of a politician’s phone, even from the silence of terrorized victims, even from the revenge of a grieving driver who lost his unborn child to the cruelty of power.
Note: This article is based on court documents from Spl.CC.No.2627/2024, media reports, and testimonies presented during the trial. Some details about the assault on the driver’s wife, including the pregnancy and miscarriage, are based on the driver’s video testimony as noted by the author. The article aims to present a comprehensive view of the case while being sensitive to the dignity of all victims involved.
