Former Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna has approached the Karnataka High Court challenging the life sentence imposed on him by a special court on charges of raping a domestic worker.
The petition seeks quashing of the trial court’s verdict and requests the acquittal of the petitioner. A hearing date for the case is yet to be scheduled.
The petition raises multiple concerns about the investigation and evidence presented in court. It alleges that the complainant was brought to the police under duress and that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) mishandled crucial aspects of the case. Questions were also raised regarding the collection of clothing and hair samples from the victim’s former workplace, the Basavanagudi house, three years after she had left employment there. Contradictions in Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) reports on semen and blood samples have been highlighted as evidence of investigative lapses.
The petition also points to the political context, noting that Revanna was elected as an MP in 2019 and had contested the 2024 elections. It claims that political influence may have affected the investigation, suggesting that the case was registered to damage the petitioner’s reputation.
Further, the petition questions inconsistencies in the victim’s testimony, including her attendance at social events at the farmhouse after resigning, and the absence of witnesses during the alleged incidents. The petition asserts that the trial court relied on unreliable evidence, including social media videos, leading to a biased judgment. On August 2, the trial court had sentenced Revanna to life imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹11.60 lakh, of which ₹11.25 lakh was to be given to the victim as compensation. Revanna now seeks relief from the High Court, challenging the conviction and fine.
