Disgraced Indian MP Sentenced to Life for Rape Amid Social Media Scandal.
Former Indian MP Prajwal Revanna, grandson of ex-Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, has been sentenced to life in prison for raping a woman during the COVID-19 lockdown. The case erupted in 2023 when hundreds of explicit videos allegedly featuring Revanna surfaced online, sparking national outrage. The victim testified that she was assaulted twice, with Revanna recording the acts and threatening exposure.
He fled to Germany in 2024 but was intercepted upon his return to India. DNA evidence linked him to the crime, and his repeated bail pleas were denied by multiple courts. Prosecutors called him a habitual offender with a “sadistic mindset,” emphasizing the need to send a strong message that political power should not shield criminals.
Revanna’s conviction is considered rare for someone with such influence in India’s political landscape. He maintains his innocence but faces two additional rape charges and one sexual harassment case. He retains the right to appeal.
