Karnataka: Trial Against Prajwal Revanna Begins In Rape Cases As Former JD(S) MP Pleads 'Not Guilty'

After the trial in the first case against former Member of Parliament (MP) Prajwal Revanna began on 2 May on Karnataka High Court's directive, the trial in the second case is set to commence on 28 May by a special court in Bengaluru.

A total of four rape cases have been filed against the former Janata Dal (Secular) [JD(S)] MP from Hassan after explicit videos and images leaked, depicting him in sexually offensive positions in April last year, Indian Express reported.

The first case accused Revanna of numerous sexual attacks on a woman who worked as a housemaid in his residence. In addition, Revanna is implicated in the sexual assault of a family cook and the sexual harassment of the cook's daughter.

In the second case, 33-year-old Revanna is alleged to have sexually assaulted a former member of the Hassan zilla panchayat who had sought his assistance on official matters.

The special court last week summoned the first group of witnesses, including the alleged sexual assault victim, to appear on 28 May, signaling the beginning of the trial. The court also ordered a new body warrant for the physical presence of the accused in court for the next hearing.

In September 2024, the Karnataka Police's Special Investigation Team (SIT) lodged a chargesheet against Revanna for recurrently sexually assaulting and harassing a zilla panchayat member over a span of three years. The victim claimed that he filmed the incidents and used the footage to blackmail her into compliance with his demands.

Revanna was apprehended on 31 May 2024 upon his return from Germany and has been in jail since then. He also lost the Lok Sabha election 2024 from his constituency.