Prajwal Revanna, once hailed as a young political prodigy from Karnataka, now stands convicted in one of the most sensational criminal cases involving a sitting Member of Parliament. The grandson of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and the son of H.D. Revanna, Prajwal carried the weight of political legacy, ambition, and privilege. But in 2025, his fall from grace was swift and definitive.
The Political Pedigree
Born on August 5, 1990, Prajwal Revanna entered politics through the Janata Dal (Secular) and became the youngest MP from the Hassan constituency in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. His political lineage and the influence of the Gowda family helped him gain early traction, and he was seen as a future leader of the regional party.
The Scandal That Shook Karnataka
In April 2024, explicit videos allegedly featuring Prajwal Revanna surfaced online, triggering a political and social uproar. The content, reportedly recorded without consent, led to multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) filed by women who accused him of rape, sexual harassment, voyeurism, and criminal intimidation. The Karnataka government formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the allegations.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
After fleeing the country in the wake of the scandal, Prajwal Revanna returned to India in May 2024 and was arrested at the Bengaluru International Airport. The legal case proceeded at an unusually fast pace for Indian courts, and on August 1, 2025, a special court convicted him in the first of multiple cases against him.
Technology as Evidence
Investigators relied heavily on digital forensics, including video metadata, mole and scar identification, and location mapping, to establish Prajwal Revanna identity and presence in the videos. This case became a landmark example of how modern forensic tools can be used to secure justice in sexual assault cases.
The Courtroom Drama
Prajwal reportedly broke down in court while pleading for leniency, citing his youth and political downfall. The judge, however, maintained that the gravity of the crime and the betrayal of public trust warranted stern punishment. The sentencing is expected to set a precedent for handling similar cases involving public figures.
Public and Political Fallout
The JD(S), already struggling for relevance in Karnataka politics, distanced itself from Revanna. No members of the Gowda family were present during court proceedings. Meanwhile, women’s rights groups hailed the conviction as a step forward for justice in a system often criticized for favoring the powerful.
Conclusion: A Legacy Tainted
Prajwal Revanna’s trajectory from promising MP to convicted criminal serves as a cautionary tale about power, privilege, and accountability. His fall has not only damaged the reputation of his family and party but has also opened up a broader conversation on sexual violence, political immunity, and the role of technology in law enforcement.
As the remaining cases against him unfold, the saga of Prajwal Revanna is far from over. But one thing is clear: in the court of public opinion and under the gavel of justice, no surname is beyond scrutiny.
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Author: Team BTP
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