Jailed ex-MP Prajwal Revanna now a clerk in Bengaluru jail library, earns Rs 520 per day

Former Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna (file photo)

Former Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna, convicted in a rape case, has now been assigned work as a library clerk at the Central Prison in Parappana Agrahara, where he is serving a life sentence.

Additional Director General of Police (Prisons) B Dayananda confirmed that Revanna has been placed in the prison library. According to a senior officer, he started his duties about a week ago. His responsibilities include issuing books to fellow inmates and maintaining the library ledger, The Times of India reported.

As per prison rules, Revanna was first classified as an unskilled labourer. Prisoners in this category are usually offered options such as bakery, carpentry, gardening, animal husbandry, or crafts. In Revanna’s case, he was eventually assigned to library work, according to a report by The Indian Express.

The 34-year-old ex-MP currently earns about Rs 520 per day. This amount can increase gradually depending on work categories and seniority. In Karnataka, wages range between Rs 524 for unskilled work and Rs 663 for highly skilled jobs. Semi-skilled and skilled jobs pay Rs 548 and Rs 615 respectively. Revanna, identified by prison uniform number 15528, is scheduled to work 2-3 days a week, and he is paid only for the days he works.

Revanna was moved from a high-security cell to the convicts’ section after his conviction. On August 2, 2024, a special court sentenced him to life imprisonment for repeatedly raping his domestic help. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 11.6 lakh, to be paid as compensation to the survivor.

The case was investigated by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the CID, led by officer B K Singh. The SIT filed a detailed 1,632-page chargesheet in September 2024, supported by the statements of 113 witnesses.

The chargesheet alleged that Revanna raped the victim twice and also recorded the assaults on his mobile phone. These videos later became critical evidence after they were leaked in 2024 during the Lok Sabha elections. Forensic experts confirmed Revanna’s presence in the videos.

The Special Court for criminal cases against MPs and MLAs found him guilty of raping the domestic worker at the Revanna family farmhouse and handed him the life sentence.