Former PM’s Grandson Gets Life Sentence in Rape Case

Rapid Summary

• Conviction and Sentencing: Prajwal Revanna, grandson of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve gowda and suspended JD(S) leader, received a life imprisonment sentence on August 2, 2025, for rape charges involving a 48-year-old woman.
• Case Details: He was convicted by Bengaluru Special Court in one of the four sexual abuse and rape cases registered against him. The rape incidents reportedly occurred at his family’s farmhouse in Hassan district and later at their residence in Bengaluru in 2021,recorded on his mobile phone.
• Court proceedings: Prajwal appealed for a lesser sentence during the hearing, claiming innocence and alleging political motives behind the charges. He accepted the court’s conviction while requesting leniency due to personal struggles such as being away from his family.
• Arrest Timeline: prajwal Revanna was arrested upon his arrival from Germany in May 2024 after allegations emerged just before Lok Sabha election polls scheduled for that year.

For more information: The Hindu

Indian Opinion Analysis

This case highlights critically important challenges within India’s political framework concerning accountability structures involving public figures. A prominent former MP’s conviction marks an significant step toward addressing crimes irrespective of socio-political status. However, broader implications arise surrounding claims that legal cases were politically motivated or timed near elections-a recurring issue requiring serious judicial review mechanisms to ensure fairness.

Given Prajwal’s complaints about procedural timing connected to elections and alleged victim coercion by prosecution witnesses approaching late into investigation raises complexities critical transparency safeguards also requisite tackling global-long delays afflicting judicial burdens