**Prominent Indian Politician Sentenced to Life for Rape Conviction**

**Prajwal Revanna's sentencing marks a rare accountability for influential politicians in sexual assault cases amid public outcry.**

A notable politician from Karnataka, Prajwal Revanna, has been sentenced to life imprisonment after being convicted of raping a former domestic staff member. The judgement was delivered on Saturday, just one day following his guilty verdict. Revanna, part of a powerful political lineage, has faced scrutiny since the emergence of explicit videos that surfaced in 2023, sparking nationwide protests. Despite his denial of wrongdoing, Revanna appeared emotional in court, requesting leniency. He can challenge the sentencing.

Revanna is the grandson of H.D. Deve Gowda, a former Prime Minister, and has ties to the Janata Dal (Secular) party, which maintains a coalition with the BJP led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His case is notable as legal action against individuals from such influential backgrounds is uncommon in India.

In April 2024, Revanna fled the country using his diplomatic passport just before the situation escalated, but was detained a month later upon his return from Germany. Alongside the rape conviction, he is also combating accusations in two other rape cases and one for sexual harassment. He continues to dispute all allegations against him.