Revanna, aged 34, who hails from the influential Janata Dal (Secular) party, was convicted on Friday, following a trial that drew public anger due to disturbing social media revelations in 2023. The court proceedings revealed harrowing details stemming from the accusations that came to light after explicit videos surfaced, sparking nationwide outrage. Despite consistent denials of the charges throughout the trial, Revanna broke down in court, pleading for leniency on the eve of his conviction.
Serving as the grandson of former Prime Minister H. D. Deve Gowda, Revanna's sentencing marks an unusual instance of legal accountability for a figure with his political background amid ongoing issues of sexual violence and corruption in India. He had fled the country in April 2024, shortly after the videos were leaked, but was arrested a month later upon his return from Germany.
Revanna now faces additional charges, including two other instances of rape and one sexual harassment case, all of which he continues to deny. As he opts for an appeal against his life sentence, the case highlights the complexities of justice in India, particularly concerning influential individuals.
Serving as the grandson of former Prime Minister H. D. Deve Gowda, Revanna's sentencing marks an unusual instance of legal accountability for a figure with his political background amid ongoing issues of sexual violence and corruption in India. He had fled the country in April 2024, shortly after the videos were leaked, but was arrested a month later upon his return from Germany.
Revanna now faces additional charges, including two other instances of rape and one sexual harassment case, all of which he continues to deny. As he opts for an appeal against his life sentence, the case highlights the complexities of justice in India, particularly concerning influential individuals.
