Ex-MP Prajwal Revanna Sentenced to Life for Rape in Scandalous Case

Prajwal Revanna, the expelled JD(S) leader and former Lok Sabha MP, has been sentenced to life imprisonment by a special court in Karnataka. The conviction is linked to the rape of a domestic worker at a farmhouse in Holenarasipura, Hassan district. Alongside the life sentence, Revanna has been fined Rs 10 lakh, with Rs 7 lakh to be paid to the victim as compensation.

The verdict follows Revanna's conviction on Friday in one of the four rape cases filed against him. The grandson of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, Revanna's case particularly drew attention due to its timing as it emerged just 14 months ago. The scandal broke in April last year when videos of the incidents surfaced before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Revanna, who was arrested in May 2024 after returning from Germany, had previously been denied bail multiple times. Despite losing a Lok Sabha election and facing new charges last June, including sexual harassment and criminal intimidation, he unsuccessfully challenged bail dismissals by higher courts. The Karnataka Police's 2,144-page chargesheet underscores the severity of the accusations.

(With inputs from agencies.)