Prajwal Revanna assigned prisoner number after life sentence in rape case
Bengaluru (PTI): A day after being sentenced to life imprisonment in a rape case, suspended JD(S) leader Prajwal Revanna was assigned a prisoner number at Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara Central prison, jail authorities said on Sunday.
Revanna, the grandson of former Prime Minister and JDS supremo H D Deve Gowda, spent his first night in jail following Saturday’s court verdict that found him guilty. He was reportedly in tears and appeared visibly distressed.
Prison doctors assessed his health late on Saturday night to ensure his medical condition was stable.
“He broke down during the medical check-up and expressed his anguish to the staff,” a senior official said.
Prajwal has reportedly informed the staff that he has approached the High Court challenging the conviction.
The former MP is currently lodged in a high-security cell and is being provided enhanced security.
According to prison officials, the standard dress code for convicts is being followed, and he will be required to wear the uniform given to prisoners.
Prisoner number 15528 was officially allotted to him on Sunday morning, they added.
Prajwal was on Saturday sentenced to prison term for the remainder of his life, while the court slapped an overall fine of Rs 11.50 lakh on him, directing that Rs 11.25 lakh be paid to the victim, a domestic help of the family of the accused.
A court here had convicted Prajwal Revanna (34) in one of the four sexual abuse and rape cases against him.
The Special Court for MPs/MLAs Judge Santosh Gajanan Bhat pronounced the verdict on Saturday, after convicting Prajwal a day earlier.
The case pertains to a 48-year-old woman who was working as a domestic help at the family's Gannikada farmhouse in Hassan district's Holenarasipura.
She was allegedly raped twice -- at Hassan farm house and Bengaluru residence-- in 2021 and the act recorded by the accused on his mobile phone.
Prajwal was booked under sections 376(2)(k) (being in a position of control or dominance over a woman, commits rape on such woman), 376 (2)(n) (repeated rape on the same woman), 354A (sexual harassment), 354B (assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to disrobe), 354C (voyeurism), 506 (criminal intimidation) and 201 (disappearance of evidence) of the IPC, and Section 66E (violation of privacy) of the IT Act, by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) which probed the case.
The court sentenced Prajwal Revanna to imprisonment for life and imposed Rs 5 lakh as fine, under section 376(2)(k), and imprisonment for life which shall mean remainder of natural life along with Rs 5 lakh fine under section 376(2)(n).
He has been also sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for three years and Rs 25,000 fine under section 354A, rigorous imprisonment for 7 years and Rs 50,000 fine under section 354B, rigorous imprisonment for 3 years and Rs 25,000 fine under section 354C.
A two year RI has also been given to Prajwal, with a fine of Rs 10,000 under section 506, imprisonment of 3 yrs and fine of Rs 25,000 under section 201, and imprisonment of 3 yrs and fine of Rs 25,000 under section 66 E of IT Act.
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Smriti Mandhana named BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year for 2025
New Delhi (PTI): Star batter Smriti Mandhana, who played a pivotal role in India's historic 2025 Women's World Cup triumph, was named the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year for 2025 at a glittering function here on Monday.
Chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh won the Emerging Player of the Year award, for her historic FIDE Women's World Cup triumph at just 20.
Preethi Pal was named the Para-Sportswoman of the Year, for winning two bronze medals at the 2024 Paris Paralympics in track and field, while Anjali Bhagwat was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising her pioneering career as India's first woman shooter to reach an Olympic final and her trailblazing success on the world stage.
Mandhana, who is currently touring Australia with the Indian team for multi-format bilateral assignments, said in a video message: "Thank you BBC for giving me the awardfor Best Sportswoman of the Year. 2025 was a special year for women's cricket, especiallytowards the end we had a World Cup and I'm happy I could contribute and help India win matches.".
At 29, the left-handed batter is already among the game's greats, with the second-highest number of centuries in women's One Day Internationals and ranking third in total runsscored among current players worldwide.
Hailing from Sangli city in Maharashtra, the affable Mandhana was inspired by her father and brother, both of whom played cricket at the district level.
In September last year, she made a 50-ball hundred against Australia – the fastest 50 over international ton (men and women) by an Indian in the format, breaking Virat Kohli's record.
The award winners were decided by a distinguished grand jury comprising Leander Paes, Deepa Malik, and Anju Bobby George.
Praising the athletes' achievements CEO of BBC News, Jonathan Munro said: "Congratulations to this year's winners who showcase the very best in sporting excellence. The BBC World Service is committed to bringing such stories of human endeavour and outstanding success to audiences across India and around the world.".
Additionally, the ceremony also celebrated a wide spectrum of talent and impact, recognizing star performers and changemakers for redefining the landscape of Indian sport.
BBC Star Performers of the Year 202.
• Indian Women's Cricket Team: for their historic World Cup victory.
• Ekta Bhyan, Deepthi Jeevanji and Preethi Pal: for their trailblazing performances at the World Para Athletics Championship.
• Indian Women's Cricket Team for the Blind: for their inspiring World Cup victory.
• Indian Women's Kabaddi Team: for their smashing victory in World Cup.
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BBC Changemakers of the Year 202.
• Indian Women's Ice Hockey Team: for breaking barriers in a non-traditional sport.
• Rajbir Kaur: Indian field hockey player and former captain of the women’s national team.
• Savita Punia: Indian field hockey player and current member of the national team.
• Paani Devi: recognised for her impactful contribution to grassroots sport.
