A significant legal outcome unfolded in Karnataka, India, as Prajwal Revanna, a former Member of Parliament from a prominent political family, received a life sentence for raping his domestic staff. The ruling, handed down on Saturday, followed Revanna's conviction for sexual assault, which was preceded by public uproar spurred by the leak of explicit videos allegedly featuring him. Despite Revanna's consistent denials, the appeal court found him guilty, marking a noteworthy instance of accountability for a high-profile politician.
Revanna, 34, is part of the influential Gowda family, with his grandfather, H.D. Deve Gowda, having served as Prime Minister of India. Notably, the case is exceptional in the Indian context, where influential political figures often escape severe repercussions for crimes of this nature. In the wake of the scandal, Revanna fled the country in April 2024 but returned a month later and was subsequently arrested.
Upon his sentencing, Revanna expressed emotional distress and requested clemency, asserting his innocence. He is currently appealing the conviction and faces additional allegations involving two other rape cases and a separate instance of sexual harassment, all of which he denies. The circumstances surrounding his case highlight the ongoing societal struggles in India regarding sexual violence and justice for victims, particularly those involving recognized figures in politics.
Revanna, 34, is part of the influential Gowda family, with his grandfather, H.D. Deve Gowda, having served as Prime Minister of India. Notably, the case is exceptional in the Indian context, where influential political figures often escape severe repercussions for crimes of this nature. In the wake of the scandal, Revanna fled the country in April 2024 but returned a month later and was subsequently arrested.
Upon his sentencing, Revanna expressed emotional distress and requested clemency, asserting his innocence. He is currently appealing the conviction and faces additional allegations involving two other rape cases and a separate instance of sexual harassment, all of which he denies. The circumstances surrounding his case highlight the ongoing societal struggles in India regarding sexual violence and justice for victims, particularly those involving recognized figures in politics.