The recent case of seven gang-rape accused in Karnataka being welcomed with cheers, music, and a victory parade after securing bail has sparked nationwide outrage. The incident, which took place in Haveri district, highlights a disturbing trend where perpetrators of sexual violence are celebrated rather than condemned. This case has raised serious questions about societal attitudes, legal delays, and the safety of women in India.
The Karnataka Gang-Rape Case: What Happened?
The case involves the alleged gang rape of a young woman in Karnataka’s Haveri district. The seven accused were arrested but later released on bail, after which they were greeted by supporters with a shocking display of celebration
In early 2024, a harrowing gang-rape case from the Haveri district in Karnataka came to light, sending shockwaves across the nation. The incident involved seven accused men who allegedly attacked and assaulted a young woman. The brutality of the crime ignited calls for swift justice and harsher penalties for sexual offenders.
The case gained national prominence, with media outlets closely following every legal development. Public protests demanded accountability, while women’s rights organisations pressured the government and police for timely action. Despite these efforts, the recent bail granted to all seven accused men has stirred controversy and anger.
Seven Gang-Rape Accused in Karnataka Get Bail and Hero’s Welcome
Following the bail hearing, the seven gang-rape accused in Karnataka reportedly returned to their hometowns to a surprising and disturbing scene. Instead of facing public scorn or isolation, they were greeted with loud music, cheers, and celebratory bike rallies organized by supporters.
Videos circulating on social media show the accused riding motorcycles, waving to crowds, and participating in what appears to be a victory parade. The celebrations featured firecrackers, dancing, and slogans that seemed to glorify their release. This public reception has left many questioning the social and cultural attitudes towards sexual violence in parts of Karnataka.
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Source: India Today
Public Outrage and Media Coverage
The case traces back to January 8, 2024, when a 26-year-old woman was allegedly abducted from a hotel in Hanagal, where she had checked in with her long-term partner, a 40-year-old Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) driver, NDTV
According to the report, the couple, believed to be in an interfaith relationship, were confronted by a group of men who barged into their room. The woman was forcibly taken to a nearby forested area, where she was allegedly gang-raped
Initially regarded as a case of moral policing due to the couple’s interfaith relationship, the Hanagal police registered an FIR only after the woman provided a detailed statement to a magistrate on January 11. Following her testimony, charges of gang rape were introduced. In total, 19 individuals were arrested, with seven identified as the primary accused.
The Haveri Sessions Court has granted bail to the seven main suspects—Aftab Chandanakatti, Madar Saab Mandakki, Samiwulla Lalanavar, Mohammad Sadiq Agasimani, Shoib Mulla, Tausip Choti, and Riyaz Savikeri—who had been held in judicial custody for over a year.
Earlier, bail was granted nearly ten months ago to twelve others accused of either assaulting the survivor or assisting the attackers.
Importantly, during the trial, the survivor reportedly had difficulty definitively identifying the accused in court, which weakened the prosecution’s case.
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The Haveri Sessions Court has granted bail to seven individuals who were considered the primary suspects in a high-profile assault case. Those released include Aftab Chandanakatti, Madar Saab Mandakki, Samiwulla Lalanavar, Mohammad Sadiq Agasimani, Shoib Mulla, Tausip Choti, and Riyaz Savikeri. All seven had been in judicial custody for over a year following their arrest in connection with a violent attack that drew widespread attention. The case had stirred significant public outcry at the time, leading to mounting pressure on law enforcement and judicial authorities.
The court’s decision comes months after twelve other individuals, accused of either directly participating in the assault or aiding and abetting the attackers, were granted bail nearly ten months ago. These individuals were initially arrested based on circumstantial evidence and witness testimonies that linked them to the crime scene. While their release raised some eyebrows, it was seen as a procedural move in light of weak evidence and prolonged custody without formal charges being framed.
One of the key turning points in the case appears to be the survivor’s inability to conclusively identify the accused during the trial proceedings. According to court records, the survivor reportedly struggled to recognize the suspects in open court, which significantly weakened the prosecution’s argument and raised doubts about the reliability of earlier statements. The defense used this development to argue that the continued detention of the accused was unjustified in the absence of strong, corroborated evidence.
With the primary suspects now released on bail, the focus is likely to shift to the next phase of the trial. Legal experts suggest that unless new evidence is brought forward, the case may face significant hurdles moving forward. The ruling has also reignited discussions around the need for timely investigations, robust evidence collection, and the rights of both the accused and the survivor in criminal justice proceedings.
