Prajwal Revanna Sentenced to Life in Rape and Video Case

Revanna alleged political conspiracy behind the charges: "The police have done this. This is politically motivated."

- BELLIE THOMAS

The Special Court for MPs/MLAs in Bengaluru on Saturday sentenced expelled JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna—grandson of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda—to life imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 5 lakh on him in connection with the obscene video and rape case.

The verdict was delivered by Judge Santhosh Gajanana Bhat, who pronounced the quantum of punishment under IPC Section 376(2)(k) (rape by a person in a position of authority) and Section 376(2)(n) (repeated rape).

Before announcing the sentence, the court recorded Revanna's final statement. Visibly emotional, he broke down in court and said, "Why did this case come out during the elections? When I was an MP, no complaints were lodged against me. Why didn't anyone come forward then? Why did the case surface only during the election?"

He alleged political conspiracy behind the charges: "The police have done this. This is politically motivated. I will accept the decision of the court. I haven't seen my parents for six months," he said tearfully. When asked about his education, he said he studied mechanical engineering and was a meritorious student. "My only fault is that I rose too quickly in politics. I won't blame the media," he added.