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New Delhi/Bengaluru: On January 7, in the Hangal area of Karnataka’s Haveri district, a Muslim woman found herself surrounded by a horrific tragedy. She alleged that she along with her partner were gang raped by a group of seven people in an incident involving interfaith relations, one of whom was identified as Aftab, who was also attacked by the assailants. The incident came to light after the victims finally mustered the courage to report the crime to the police.
The rape case was filed against the seven men after the woman – who was in the room with her companion – alleged that the men later took her to a deserted place and took turns to rape her.
Details of horrific assault
The accused allegedly entered the couple’s hotel room, filmed the attack and later circulated the video. The woman claimed that she was raped at various places in a nearby forest before being abandoned near a bus stop. It appears that the couple’s interfaith relationship has given rise to this cruel act of ‘moral policing’.
“They later dropped me at a bus stop. I want them to be punished,” she alleges further.
“We weren’t told about rape earlier. We came to know about this only through media report about the video by the woman. We have booked a case under the appropriate section,” said Anshu Kumar, Superintendent of Police, Haveri.
Accused arrested
Following complaint, the police took swift crackdown. Three of the accused have been apprehended, and three others, who are currently in hospital, will be arrested when they are discharged. Superintendent of Police, Anshu Kumar, said the police will file an FIR for an undated video that has surfaced, which shows the same group of men abusing another Muslim woman inside a car. He assured that strict action will be taken against the criminals.
This incident has triggered political debate in the state. Karnataka BJP chief BY Vijayendra expressed concern over rising crime against women and criticized the state government for the apparent deterioration in the law and order situation. Former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai urged for strict action against the culprits and asked for a medical examination of the victim. The police, determined to act as a deterrent against such heinous crimes, are continuing to search for the remaining suspects.
