Former PM Deve Gowda breaks down after Prajwal Revanna sentenced to life imprisonment in rape case

The duration Prajwal had already spent in jail would not be deducted from the newly imposed sentence. This means the life imprisonment term will start afresh from the date of sentencing. Notably, Prajwal had not been previously arrested but was produced before the court under a body warrant.

Bengaluru: In a landmark verdict, former Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Special Court for People’s Representatives in a rape case, leaving the powerful Gowda family reeling in emotional turmoil. According to sources, former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda was visibly moved and reportedly broke down in tears after hearing the court’s decision.

Prajwal Revanna was convicted under IPC Section 376(2)(n) (repeated rape), for which the court awarded him life imprisonment. Additionally, under Section 354(b) (assault or use of criminal force with intent to disrobe), he received a three-year sentence of rigorous imprisonment.

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On Saturday as the court announced the quantum of punishment, sources said that Deve Gowda who had been glued to television updates since noon—was overwhelmed with emotion and wept as the gravity of the judgment set in.

This marks a humiliating and painful moment for the JD(S) patriarch and his family, especially as Prajwal is the grandson of Deve Gowda and the son of senior JD(S) leader H.D. Revanna. The court had found Prajwal guilty of sexual assault following a high-profile case that drew national attention during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Significantly, the court ruled that the duration Prajwal had already spent in jail would not be deducted from the newly imposed sentence. This means the life imprisonment term will start afresh from the date of sentencing. Notably, Prajwal had not been previously arrested but was produced before the court under a body warrant.

In a desperate plea during the sentencing, Prajwal had reportedly wept in the courtroom, telling the judge: “I am a merit student… please show leniency.” However, the court found the evidence strong and consistent enough to impose the maximum punishment under the applicable sections.

With multiple cases still pending against him including three more for sexual assault and illegal filming Friday’s sentence may be just the beginning of further legal battles for Prajwal and more political fallout for the JD(S) party.