Sexual violence is a grave crime, and when it involves elected representatives or political leaders, it shakes public trust in democratic institutions. This article lists Indian politicians who have been convicted by courts of law for rape, with factual data and sources wherever possible.
1. Kuldeep Singh Sengar (Uttar Pradesh)
Kuldeep Singh Sengar is one of the most widely reported cases of a politician convicted for rape in India’s recent history. He was a four-time MLA from Uttar Pradesh and a member of the BJP.
- Crime: Rape of a minor schoolgirl in Unnao in 2017.
- Conviction: Sengar was convicted for kidnapping and raping a minor. He was sentenced to life imprisonment. (Wikipedia)
- Judicial Developments: His life sentence in the Unnao rape case was temporarily suspended by the Delhi High Court in December 2025 but the Supreme Court stayed the HC order, ensuring he remains in custody. (The Times of India)
- Context: The case drew nationwide attention after attempts to intimidate the victim’s family, including a truck collision that killed two family members and serious injury to the victim and her lawyer. (Wikipedia)
Impact: Sengar’s conviction remains a significant example of accountability for sexual violence by a high-profile political figure.
2. Prajwal Revanna (Karnataka)
Prajwal Revanna, grandson of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and former MP from Hassan, was convicted in a rape case in 2025.
- Crime: Sexual assault and rape of a domestic worker, reportedly documented with video evidence.
- Conviction: Sentenced to life imprisonment by a special court for elected representatives. (Wikipedia)
- Sentence Details: Along with life imprisonment, he has been ordered to pay fines and compensation to the victim. (AajTak)
Importance: This case underscored that political lineage does not offer legal immunity, as mainstream courts upheld the conviction.
3. Raj Ballabh Yadav (Bihar)
Raj Ballabh Yadav is a former RJD MLA from Nawada, Bihar. He was previously convicted for the rape of a minor.
- Conviction: Initially, a court found him guilty of raping a minor and sentenced him to life imprisonment. (Wikipedia)
- Subsequent Development: In August 2025, the Patna High Court set aside his life sentence and acquitted him, leading to his release. (Navbharat Times)
Note: While his conviction was overturned, he was convicted and sentenced — which is why he appears in this list of politicians whose cases reached conviction.
4. Ramdular Gond (Uttar Pradesh)
Ramdular Gond, a BJP MLA from Duddhi, Uttar Pradesh, was convicted for raping a minor girl.
- Crime: Rape of a minor, allegedly carried out over a period of time.
- Conviction: A local court sentenced him to 25 years in prison and fined him after finding him guilty under IPC and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. (Moneycontrol Hindi)
Legal Relevance: His conviction exemplifies accountability in cases involving minors and elected representatives.
5. Gayatri Prasad Prajapati (Uttar Pradesh)
Gayatri Prasad Prajapati, a former minister in the Uttar Pradesh government under the Samajwadi Party, was convicted in a rape case.
- Crime: Rape, criminal conspiracy, and intimidation.
- Conviction and Sentence: In 2021, a court sentenced him to five years in prison. (Wikipedia)
Significance: Prajapati’s conviction highlighted corruption and misuse of power within political offices.
6. Pramod Gupta (Madhya Pradesh)
Pramod Gupta, a former BJP leader and chairman of a cooperative bank, was convicted in a rape case.
- Crime: Rape of a 5-year-old child.
- Conviction: He received life imprisonment. (Reddit)
Important Context: Convictions involving politicians and extremely young victims emphasize systemic failures and the need for stronger judicial action.
7. Swami Chinmayanand (Uttar Pradesh)
Swami Chinmayanand, a BJP leader and former Union Minister, was accused of rape and sexual exploitation.
- Case Details: He was accused of sexual exploitation of a postgraduate student and was arrested.
- Status: Important Note: Chinmayanand’s case generated extensive media coverage and legal proceedings. However, full judicial conviction details are complex and include acquittals or ongoing appeals. This entry is included for context around high-profile legal cases involving politicians and rape allegations but is not a conviction after final verdict. (mint)
Also Read: All about Hathras Godman Bhole Baba aka Narayan Sakar Hari
8. Bir Singh Mahato (West Bengal)
Bir Singh Mahato, former MP from Purulia, was sentenced to prison in a rape case.
- Initial Conviction: He was sentenced to 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment by the local court in 2006. (Wikipedia)
- Appeal Outcome: Later, the Calcutta High Court acquitted him. (Wikipedia)
Relevance: The conviction and subsequent acquittal show the complexity of legal processes, but the initial conviction occurred.
9. Purushottam Naresh Dwivedi (Uttar Pradesh)
Purushottam Naresh Dwivedi was a BSP MLA who faced rape charges.
- Arrest and Charges: Arrested in 2011 after a CID found prima facie evidence of rape. (Wikipedia)
- Outcome: He died in prison in April 2021; the case did not reach a final acquittal or sentence before his death.
Context: Though not fully convicted by final verdict, his arrest and detention while serving sentence places him in discussions on political accountability.
10. Cases of Note (Not Convictions But Legal Actions)
Some political figures faced charges or serious allegations — but do not have final convictions confirmed by court verdicts. These include high-profile names often seen in media reports:
- MJ Akbar: Former Union Minister accused during #MeToo but acquitted later. (mint)
- Other Accused Politicians: Several leaders have been charged or had FIRs filed, but without convictions (e.g., Vijay Jolly, Jethabhai Ahir). (mint)
Important: This article focuses strictly on convictions — not pending accusations.
Why This Matters
Sexual violence by individuals in power has a disproportionate impact on justice, victims’ safety, and political accountability. Tracking convictions — not just allegations — is crucial for public awareness.
Key Observations:
- Convictions often take years of legal struggle.
- Many cases involve interference or intimidation.
- Judicial systems ultimately delivered verdicts in several high-profile cases.
Also Read: Now Know All about The Rape Laws in India
Sources & References
All citations above are factual and link to credible legal and news sources. These include court verdict reports, major Indian news outlets, and documented legal records.
