In a landmark case, a court in Karnataka has sentenced Prajwal Revanna, a prominent figure in Indian politics, to life imprisonment for the rape of his domestic staff. The ruling, delivered on Saturday, follows a conviction that has captured national attention, particularly in light of the highly publicized allegations against the 34-year-old former Member of Parliament.
Revanna, who is part of a noted political lineage—being the grandson of former Prime Minister H. D. Deve Gowda—was convicted after being accused of sexual assault, with numerous explicit videos purportedly featuring him surfacing on social media in 2023. These revelations ignited widespread outrage across the country, prompting a national conversation about sexual misconduct among political elites.
Following his conviction, Revanna emotionally pleaded for leniency, but the severity of his crimes led the court to impose a life sentence, which he has the option to appeal. Prior to the trial, Revanna fled India in April 2024 under controversial circumstances, using his diplomatic passport as the scandal escalated. He returned to India from Germany just a month later and was promptly arrested, stirring further public interest and debate.
Despite his influential background, Revanna is not out of legal trouble yet; he remains embroiled in two additional rape cases and another for sexual harassment—charges he continues to vehemently deny. As the case unfolds, it highlights the ongoing struggle against gender violence and calls into question the accountability of public figures in India.
Revanna, who is part of a noted political lineage—being the grandson of former Prime Minister H. D. Deve Gowda—was convicted after being accused of sexual assault, with numerous explicit videos purportedly featuring him surfacing on social media in 2023. These revelations ignited widespread outrage across the country, prompting a national conversation about sexual misconduct among political elites.
Following his conviction, Revanna emotionally pleaded for leniency, but the severity of his crimes led the court to impose a life sentence, which he has the option to appeal. Prior to the trial, Revanna fled India in April 2024 under controversial circumstances, using his diplomatic passport as the scandal escalated. He returned to India from Germany just a month later and was promptly arrested, stirring further public interest and debate.
Despite his influential background, Revanna is not out of legal trouble yet; he remains embroiled in two additional rape cases and another for sexual harassment—charges he continues to vehemently deny. As the case unfolds, it highlights the ongoing struggle against gender violence and calls into question the accountability of public figures in India.
