Prajwal Revanna Case: 3 Karnataka SIT Officers Win Union Home Ministry Medals
Three Karnataka SIT officers receive Union Home Ministry medals for the professional investigation that led to Prajwal Revanna's conviction.
In a significant recognition of professional policing and meticulous detective work, three officers from the Karnataka Special Investigation Team (SIT) have been awarded the Union Home Ministry Medal for Excellence in Investigation. These officers played a pivotal role in the high-profile probe into sexual assault allegations against former JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna, which ultimately led to his conviction.
The Awardees and the SIT's Triumph
The Chief Minister's Office confirmed on Saturday night that the recipients of the prestigious Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak are Inspector Shobha, Assistant Sub-Inspector Rathnamma, and CHC Balakrishna. These officers were integral members of the SIT, CID team led by senior IPS officer BK Singh.
The medal is reserved for police personnel who demonstrate outstanding skill in criminal investigations and make substantial contributions toward securing justice through professional and effective investigative techniques.
The Conviction of Prajwal Revanna
The investigation conducted by the SIT culminated in a landmark judgment. Prajwal Revanna, the grandson of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, was convicted by the Special Court for People's Representatives in August 2025. The conviction pertained to the rape of a house-help at a farmhouse located in Holenarasipura, Hassan district.
The court's ruling was severe, resulting in:
- Life Imprisonment: Revanna was sentenced to life in prison on August 2, 2025.
- Financial Penalties: A fine of Rs 10 lakh was imposed.
- Survivor Compensation: Out of the fine, Rs 7 lakh was directed to be paid as compensation to the survivor.
Despite this conviction, the legal battles for the former JD(S) leader are far from over, as he continues to face three additional rape cases that are currently pending trial.
Other Karnataka Personnel Honoured
While the SIT officers grabbed headlines, they were part of a larger group of seven personnel from Karnataka selected for the 2026 medals. The list includes six police officials and one staff member from the Forensic Science Laboratory.
Other awardees include:
- Inspector Rukumuddin Bavuddin Gadekar (Malamaruti, Belagavi)
- Inspector Manjunath (Devadurga, Raichur)
- Inspector Sreenivas Rao
- Chandrashekhar, Deputy Director of RFSL Mysuru