A court in Karnataka, India, has handed down a life sentence to Prajwal Revanna, a once-prominent political figure and former Member of Parliament, for raping his domestic employee. The sentencing occurred over the weekend, coming just one day after the 34-year-old was found guilty of sexual assault, a case that has sparked significant outrage throughout the country. The allegations surfaced in 2023 when explicit videos purportedly featuring Revanna began circulating widely on social media, igniting public anger.
Despite the gravity of the charges, Revanna steadfastly maintained his innocence, claiming the videos were compromised. On the day of his conviction, he emotionally requested leniency from the court, only to be denied. As the grandson of H. D. Deve Gowda, a former Indian Prime Minister and head of the influential Janata Dal (Secular) party, Revanna's case is notable, particularly in a country where high-profile individuals often evade justice.
Before the sentencing, Revanna fled the country in April 2024 using a diplomatic passport, but was apprehended a month later upon his return from Germany. He now faces additional charges, including two more rape allegations and one of sexual harassment, which he continues to dispute. The verdict highlights a shifting tide in India regarding accountability for sexual assault, especially in cases involving high-ranking political figures.
Despite the gravity of the charges, Revanna steadfastly maintained his innocence, claiming the videos were compromised. On the day of his conviction, he emotionally requested leniency from the court, only to be denied. As the grandson of H. D. Deve Gowda, a former Indian Prime Minister and head of the influential Janata Dal (Secular) party, Revanna's case is notable, particularly in a country where high-profile individuals often evade justice.
Before the sentencing, Revanna fled the country in April 2024 using a diplomatic passport, but was apprehended a month later upon his return from Germany. He now faces additional charges, including two more rape allegations and one of sexual harassment, which he continues to dispute. The verdict highlights a shifting tide in India regarding accountability for sexual assault, especially in cases involving high-ranking political figures.
