Life Sentence for Influential Indian Politician in Rape Case

Prajwal Revanna, a former MP from Karnataka and member of a prominent political family, has been sentenced to life in prison for the rape of a domestic staff member. The conviction, stemming from allegations that surfaced in 2023 alongside explicit videos, has sparked outrage and calls for justice in Indian politics.

A court in Karnataka has handed down a life sentence to Prajwal Revanna, a notable figure from a well-known political lineage, for the crime of raping a domestic employee. The verdict was delivered on Saturday, a day after Revanna was found guilty by the courts. The shocking allegations first emerged in 2023 when explicit videos allegedly featuring him began to circulate widely on social media, triggering public indignation throughout the nation. Despite his denials, Revanna pleaded for leniency when convicted.

Revanna, who is the grandson of former Prime Minister H. D. Deve Gowda and a member of the Janata Dal (Secular) party, which is currently allied with the BJP led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, represents a rare case of a politically influential individual facing serious judicial consequences in India. Following the viral spread of the videos, which he claimed were manipulated, Revanna departed from India in April 2024, possessing a diplomatic passport. However, he was subsequently detained upon his return from Germany a month later.

The former politician continues to deny the allegations and plans to appeal the sentence. He is also confronting additional charges, including two other cases of rape and one of sexual harassment, all of which he contests. This case is significant in raising awareness about accountability for public figures in India amid ongoing discussions about sexual violence and governance.