A high-profile former member of India’s parliament has been handed a life sentence for the rape of a domestic worker, marking a rare instance of a powerful political figure facing legal consequences for such crimes.
Prajwal Revanna, a 34-year-old ex-MP from Karnataka, was convicted on Friday and sentenced the following day. The case gained national attention in 2023 after hundreds of explicit videos allegedly involving him surfaced online, sparking widespread condemnation.
Revanna, who hails from a politically influential family—his grandfather is a former prime minister—initially fled India in April 2024 using a diplomatic passport as the scandal erupted. He was arrested upon his return from Germany a month later.
During the trial, Revanna denied all charges but broke down in court after his conviction, pleading for leniency. The judge, however, upheld the maximum penalty. He still faces additional rape and sexual harassment charges, which he continues to dispute.
The case has drawn scrutiny in a country where powerful individuals often evade accountability for serious offenses. Legal experts note that the conviction of a figure with such political connections is unusual.
Revanna retains the right to appeal the verdict. Meanwhile, the ruling has reignited discussions about justice for victims of sexual violence in India, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds.
As the legal proceedings continue, activists are closely watching whether further accountability will follow in the remaining cases against him.
