Prominent Indian Politician Sentenced to Life for Rape

Prajwal Revanna, part of a high-profile political family, faces severe consequences amid public outrage following disturbing allegations.

 

A court in Karnataka has sentenced former Member of Parliament Prajwal Revanna to life imprisonment for raping a former domestic staff member. Revanna, 34, was convicted on a Saturday after an extensive trial, characterized by allegations surfacing in 2023 when explicit videos began circulating on social media, inciting national outrage.

While Revanna has persistently denied these serious charges, he broke down during his sentencing, requesting leniency from the judge. He still has the option to appeal. Hailing from a prominent political lineage as the grandson of ex-Prime Minister H. D. Deve Gowda, Revanna's punishment marks a watershed moment, as penalties for individuals of similar status in India are exceedingly rare.

Revanna had fled the country in April 2024, using a diplomatic passport, shortly before the public uproar over the videos depicting alleged abusive behavior. When confronted with the leak, an anonymous official maintained the videos were manipulated. His return in May triggered immediate arrest upon landing back in India from Germany, where he had sought refuge.

Alongside the life sentence for rape, Revanna is entangled in two additional rape cases and one harassment case—charges he continues to deny vehemently.