In a significant development, former JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna was convicted on Friday by the Special Court for People’s Representatives in a rape case. The case was filed against him by a domestic worker from KR Nagar in Mysuru, Karnataka.
The verdict, delivered just 14 months after the case was registered, marks the conclusion of a fast-paced trial. Revanna, who appeared visibly emotional, was seen crying as he left the courtroom following the verdict. The court is scheduled to pronounce the quantum of punishment on Saturday.
The case was registered at the Cyber Crime Station of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) based on the domestic worker’s complaint. She accused Revanna of raping her and recording the act on video. He was charged under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including Sections 376(2)(k), 376(2)(n), 354(A), 354(B), 354(C), 506, and 201, along with Section 66(E) of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2008.
The CID's Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by Inspector Shobha, conducted a thorough investigation, collecting 123 pieces of evidence. The team submitted a comprehensive charge sheet that spanned nearly 2,000 pages. The trial began on December 31, 2024, and was concluded within seven months.
During this period, the court examined 23 witnesses and reviewed crucial forensic science laboratory (FSL) reports of the video clips, as well as spot inspection reports from the scene of the crime. Special Public Prosecutors BN Jagadeesh and Ashok Naik represented the state, while senior advocates Nalina Mayagowda and Arun G. appeared for Revanna.
The sections under which Revanna was convicted carry a range of punishments. IPC Sections 376(2)(k) and 376(2)(n) both carry a minimum sentence of ten years, which can be extended to life imprisonment. IPC Sections 354(A), 354(B), and 354(C) can lead to imprisonment of up to three years. Section 506 of the IPC, related to criminal intimidation, carries a sentence of up to six months.
Section 201, for causing disappearance of evidence, provides for a minimum of one year and can be extended up to seven years. Additionally, Section 66(E) of the Information Technology Act, 2008, entails imprisonment of up to three years. The court's decision on the sentencing is expected on Saturday.
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