The Prajwal Revanna sexual abuse case represents one of the most significant political scandals in recent Indian history, involving egregious sexual crimes, abuse of power, and a groundbreaking digital forensic investigation. This case has not only exposed the dark underbelly of political dynasties but has also set new precedents in how sexual violence cases are investigated in the digital age. As the grandson of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and a sitting Member of Parliament from Karnataka’s Hassan constituency, Prajwal Revanna enjoyed immense political protection until his own recorded evidence sealed his fate. The systematic sexual exploitation of multiple women, followed by the massive circulation of explicit videos, created a perfect storm that ultimately demonstrated that even the most powerful politicians are not above the law. This article provides a comprehensive examination of the case, its investigation, legal proceedings, and far-reaching implications.
prajwal revanna full viral video
Origins and Timeline of the Case
The Explosive Revelation
The scandal erupted on April 26, 2024, just days before the Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka’s Hassan constituency, when thousands of pen drives containing explicit videos were mysteriously distributed across public spaces in Hassan district. These pen drives appeared in stadiums, parks, bus stops, and other areas, containing what investigators would later determine to be over 2,976 videos showing sexual assault and abuse . The videos allegedly featured Prajwal Revanna sexually abusing multiple women, with the victims’ faces clearly visible while the perpetrator’s identity was initially concealed through careful framing that avoided showing his face.
Political Context and Immediate Aftermath
The timing of this revelation was particularly damaging as Prajwal Revanna was the incumbent MP seeking re-election from Hassan, a seat traditionally controlled by the powerful Gowda family. Within hours of the videos surfacing, public outrage erupted across Karnataka, forcing immediate political and legal action. The Karnataka State Commission for Women, led by chairperson Nagalakshmi Chowdhary, immediately took cognizance of the matter and wrote to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on April 28, 2024, prompting the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to probe the allegations .
Escape and International Manhunt
Sensing the gravity of the situation and potential arrest, Prajwal Revanna fled to Germany on April 27, 2024, using his diplomatic passport. This escape attempt only intensified the scandal, with the opposition Congress party demanding action from both the JD(S) and its ally BJP, questioning how such a serious offender was allowed to leave the country. After remaining in Germany for over a month, Prajwal Revanna returned to India on May 31, 2024, and was immediately arrested at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport by the SIT .
Table: Key Timeline Events in the Prajwal Revanna Case
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| April 22, 2024 | Pen drives containing explicit videos begin circulating in Hassan |
| April 26, 2024 | Massive distribution of pen drives across public spaces in Hassan |
| April 27, 2024 | Prajwal Revanna flees to Germany using diplomatic passport |
| April 28, 2024 | Karnataka government forms SIT to investigate allegations |
| May 2, 2024 | JD(S) suspends Prajwal Revanna from the party |
| May 31, 2024 | Prajwal returns to India and is arrested at Bengaluru airport |
| December 31, 2024 | Trial begins in Special Court |
| August 1, 2025 | Prajwal Revanna convicted on all charges |
The Investigation Process
Formation of the Special Investigation Team
The SIT, headed by IPS officer B.K. Singh, faced the challenging task of investigating a case that relied heavily on digital evidence and victim testimonies. The Prajwal Revanna video case required sophisticated forensic analysis to establish the authenticity of the videos and identify the perpetrator, as most clips showed only hands and genitals rather than the accused’s face . Investigators employed cutting-edge forensic techniques, including studies from Turkey and Japan that detailed how suspects could be identified through physical characteristics of genitals and body parts visible in the recordings. This breakthrough methodology became crucial in building a watertight case against Prajwal Revanna.
Digital Forensic Breakthroughs
The investigation represented a landmark in digital forensic investigation in India. The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Bengaluru conducted extensive analysis of the seized videos and confirmed they were authentic, neither morphed nor digitally manipulated. This forensic verification was crucial in countering Prajwal Revanna’s claims that the videos had been doctored to frame him . Investigators collected multiple forms of evidence including DNA samples from the victim’s preserved clothing, mobile phone records, call data analysis, and video evidence recorded by Prajwal himself. The victim had preserved a saree worn during one of the assaults, which tested positive for sperm, providing crucial biological evidence.
Anatomical Identification Technology
One of the most innovative aspects of the investigation was the use of physical characteristic matching. Since the videos did not show the perpetrator’s face, investigators utilized anatomical comparison of genital features, consulting dermatologists, urologists, and forensic specialists . A team of doctors examined Prajwal Revanna and documented his private organs through videos and photographs, which were then compared with those visible in the recorded assaults. The experts analyzed multiple morphological and anatomical markers, including moles, scars, and pigmentation unique to the genital area. The overall shape and vascular patterns were also examined along with hair distribution and body marks visible around the genital and lower abdominal region. As one officer noted, “Each of these features is highly individual — like a unique fingerprint” .
Victim Testimonies and Identification
The SIT faced significant challenges in gathering victim testimonies. Despite identifying approximately 50 women from the videos and working to establish the identities of around 25 more, only four formal complaints were filed . The SIT asked many of the women if they would like to file complaints against Prajwal Revanna, but officials believed that only one or two more women might come forward. This reluctance highlighted the pervasive fear among the people of Hassan, not only of Revanna but also of Prajwal, seen as the heir apparent of the Janata Dal (Secular) party. Many victims were allegedly threatened with harm to themselves and their families if they did not comply with Prajwal’s demands .
Legal Proceedings and Court Case
Charges and Prosecution Strategy
In September 2024, the SIT filed a comprehensive 1,632-page chargesheet in the case, listing 113 witnesses and presenting over 180 documents as evidence . The chargesheet detailed charges under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including:
- Section 376(2)(k): Rape by a person in dominant position
- Section 376(2)(n): Repeatedly raping the same woman
- Sections 354A, 354B, 354C: Sexual harassment, assault, voyeurism
- Section 506: Criminal intimidation
- Section 201: Causing disappearance of evidence
- Section 66E of IT Act: Violation of privacy through intimate images
The prosecution used a combination of digital evidence, including the videos recorded by Prajwal himself, DNA residues on the victim’s clothing, as well as her testimony to build their case . One crucial piece of evidence was the matching of Prajwal’s body parts with those found in the videos that he himself recorded.
Trial Process and Verdict
The trial commenced on December 31, 2024, before Judge Santhosh Gajanan Bhat of the Special Court for criminal cases against elected representatives. The proceedings moved at remarkable speed, examining 26 witnesses and reviewing key forensic science laboratory reports over seven months . The court heard testimony from the victim under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code, examined digital evidence, and reviewed spot inspection reports from the crime scenes. Defense attempts to have Prajwal discharged from the case were rejected, with the court finding sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.
On August 1, 2025, exactly 14 months after the first complaint was filed, the court delivered its verdict. Judge Santhosh Gajanan Bhat found Prajwal Revanna guilty on all charges, marking the first conviction among the four separate cases filed against him . Prajwal Revanna, who was present in court, broke down emotionally upon hearing the verdict and was seen crying as he left the courtroom. No family members were present to support him during this crucial moment, highlighting his isolation from the very political dynasty that had once protected him.
Sentencing and Ongoing Cases
The quantum of punishment was scheduled to be announced on August 2, 2025. Under the sections he was convicted, Prajwal faces a minimum sentence of 10 years imprisonment, which could extend to life imprisonment for the most serious charges . This conviction represents only the first of four separate criminal cases against the former MP. Three additional cases remain under investigation and trial, involving different victims and similar allegations of sexual assault and abuse. Legal experts expect the defense to challenge the conviction in higher courts, but the comprehensive nature of the evidence has created a strong foundation for the prosecution’s case.
Political Implications and Fallout
Impact on the Gowda Political Dynasty
The case has severely damaged the reputation of one of Karnataka’s most powerful political dynasties. The Gowda family, led by former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, has dominated Hassan district politics for over four decades. Prajwal Revanna was being groomed as the third generation of the family to continue this political legacy . The scandal has exposed deep fractures within the JD(S) party and raised questions about dynastic politics in Karnataka. Political analysts note that the family’s decline began when Deve Gowda handed over the Hassan Lok Sabha seat to Prajwal in 2019, breaking from his previous tight control over local politics.
Party Response and Electoral Consequences
Initially, the JD(S) leadership, including H.D. Kumaraswamy, attempted to defend Prajwal Revanna, calling the allegations a “conspiracy to spoil the family name” . However, as evidence mounted and public pressure increased, the party was forced to suspend Prajwal on May 2, 2024, pending completion of the SIT investigation. The case also strained the JD(S)-BJP alliance, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah publicly stating that the BJP “cannot remain with those who commit atrocities against women” .
The immediate political impact was evident in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Despite being the incumbent MP and belonging to the dominant Gowda family, Prajwal Revanna suffered a humiliating defeat to Congress candidate Shreyas M. Patel by over 42,000 votes. This marked the end of the Gowda family’s control over Hassan constituency after decades of dominance .
Family Involvement and Additional Cases
The case also implicated other family members. Prajwal’s father, H.D. Revanna, was arrested for allegedly kidnapping one of the victims to prevent her from testifying . After Prajwal’s parents saw the viral videos, his mother Bhavani allegedly summoned the victim and sent her to the family’s farm in Hunsur, where she was kept so the SIT could not meet her . The victim’s 20-year-old son filed a complaint that H.D. Revanna and his aides had abducted his mother. Revanna was arrested in the case, stayed in jail for 10 days, while Bhavani secured bail but was restricted from entering Hassan. This case is still pending.
Societal Impact and Cultural Reckoning
Impact on Victims and Community
The case had devastating consequences for the victims. Many women identified in the videos faced social ostracization and trauma. After the videos went viral, some women left town overnight, switched off their phones, or isolated themselves. Some even attempted suicide . Despite the SIT keeping helplines open and trying to convince several other victims to file complaints, only four complaints have been filed so far. This reluctance highlights the pervasive fear among the people of Hassan, not only of Revanna but also of Prajwal, seen as the heir apparent of the JD(S) party .
Circulation of Explicit Material and Legal Warnings
The SIT issued warnings about the legal consequences of circulating explicit videos. Not just those who distribute but even those who are in possession of such videos are liable to face legal action under the Information Technology Act, 2000 . The SIT advised the general public to delete the video/audio/photos of the victims of sexual crimes from their devices to avoid legal action. This warning came amidst concerns that the explicit videos were being freely distributed on social media platforms, exposing those who are already vulnerable.
Broader Conversation About Power and Sexual Violence
The case sparked a national conversation about power dynamics and sexual exploitation in political circles. It highlighted how individuals in positions of power could exploit vulnerable women, recording the acts to further blackmail them into continued compliance. The case demonstrated the need for stronger safeguards against such abuses and more robust support systems for victims coming forward against powerful figures .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What exactly is the Prajwal Revanna video case?
The Prajwal Revanna video case refers to multiple criminal cases filed against former JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna for rape, sexual assault, and voyeurism. The case gained notoriety when thousands of explicit videos allegedly showing him abusing women were circulated in Hassan constituency before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The videos showed sexual assault and abuse of multiple women, recorded without their consent .
How was Prajwal Revanna identified in the videos?
Since the videos did not show the perpetrator’s face, investigators used innovative forensic techniques to identify Prajwal Revanna. A team of doctors examined Prajwal and documented his private organs through videos and photographs, which were then compared with those visible in the recorded assaults using anatomical markers including moles, scars, pigmentation patterns, vascular patterns, and hair distribution. This technique, similar to fingerprint analysis, provided definitive identification .
What charges was Prajwal Revanna convicted of?
Prajwal Revanna was convicted under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including: Section 376(2)(k) (rape by a person in dominant position), Section 376(2)(n) (repeatedly raping the same woman), Sections 354A, 354B, 354C (sexual harassment, assault, voyeurism), Section 506 (criminal intimidation), Section 201 (causing disappearance of evidence), and Section 66E of IT Act (violation of privacy through intimate images) .
What was the role of digital evidence in the case?
Digital evidence was crucial in the case. Forensic analysis confirmed the authenticity of over 2,976 videos, investigators used innovative techniques to match physical characteristics visible in the recordings with the accused, and mobile phone data provided additional corroborative evidence. The Forensic Science Laboratory in Bengaluru conducted extensive analysis of the seized videos and confirmed they were authentic, neither morphed nor digitally manipulated .
What is the status of other cases against Prajwal Revanna?
The conviction represents only the first of four separate criminal cases against Prajwal Revanna. Three additional cases remain under investigation and trial, involving different victims and similar allegations of sexual assault and abuse. The second case involves a 44-year-old former member of the Hassan Zilla Panchayat, the third case pertains to the assault of a woman in her 60s from Mysuru who worked as domestic help, and the fourth case involves allegations of sexual harassment during a video call .
Conclusion: Justice Served but Scars Remain
The Prajwal Revanna case represents a watershed moment in India’s legal and political landscape. It demonstrates that no individual is above the law, regardless of their political connections or family dynasty. The case has set important precedents in digital forensic investigation and the use of anatomical identification in sexual crime cases. While justice has been served through the conviction, the case has left deep scars on the victims, the community of Hassan, and India’s political consciousness. It serves as a stark reminder of the abuses that can occur when power goes unchecked and the importance of robust legal institutions to hold even the most powerful accountable for their actions. The case also highlights the need for greater support systems for victims of sexual violence who come forward against influential figures, and stronger safeguards to prevent such egregious abuses of power in the future.