What Happened After the K'taka Gang-Rape Case Accused Were Released on Bail?

Synopsis
In a shocking incident, seven individuals accused in the 2024 Hangal gang-rape case celebrated their bail release with a roadshow. This disturbing event raises questions about justice and accountability. As the police respond, the victim's harrowing story reveals the depths of societal issues surrounding moral policing.
Key Takeaways
- Seven accused celebrated bail with a roadshow.
- Victim's testimony reveals systemic societal issues.
- Police are pursuing legal action against the celebratory conduct.
- The incident has led to political unrest and protests.
- Calls for justice highlight the need for accountability.
Haveri (Karnataka), May 23 (NationPress) In a shocking turn of events, seven individuals implicated in the 2024 Hangal gang-rape case celebrated their release on bail by organizing a roadshow. A troubling video showcasing their festivities surfaced on Friday, igniting grave concerns.
The accused were previously incarcerated for their alleged involvement in the gang-rape of a 26-year-old married woman in January 2024.
The police have acknowledged the situation and are moving forward with legal proceedings. Charges for unlawful assembly and reckless driving have been filed.
The individuals involved are Aftab Chandan A. Katti, Madar Saab Mandaakki, Samiulla Lalanavar, Mohammad Sadiq Agasimani, Shoib Mulla, Tausip Choti, and Riyaz Savikeri.
Bail was granted by the court after the victim was unable to identify her assailants during the court hearings on Tuesday.
Upon their release from the Haveri sub-jail, the accused were greeted by supporters and friends. A video captured them riding bikes and cars back to their hometowns, celebrating without restraint.
They were seen making victory gestures, chanting slogans, and expressing their joy as they traveled in a convoy. Bystanders were observed recording the celebrations on their phones while riding along.
The police have initiated measures to open rowdy sheets against the individuals for their celebratory behavior. Authorities confirmed they will file an appeal in court to request the revocation of the conditional bail granted in this gang-rape case.
The Karnataka Police had previously submitted a charge sheet in the high-profile Hangal gang-rape incident linked to moral vigilantes reported from Hangal town in Haveri district. This incident was reported on January 8, 2024.
The victim, who was subjected to moral policing, released a video on January 11, 2024, detailing how she was repeatedly assaulted by vigilantes in Haveri district.
Being seen with a person of a different faith, the homemaker was forcibly removed from a hotel and beaten in Hangal town on January 8.
The victim, part of a minority community, recounted that while at the hotel, a group of five to six men forcefully entered, interrogated her, and took her away on their motorcycles.
They transported her to a secluded area where they brutally assaulted and subsequently raped her, with the driver of the car also committing the act.
Her nightmare continued as she was taken to multiple locations and gang-raped. Ultimately, they left her on a national highway, where she managed to catch a bus.
“I want them to face justice,” she pleaded in her video addressed to the police.
The victim's husband also spoke to the media, asserting that his wife was gang-raped by these vigilantes.
“They abducted and viciously assaulted my wife. She confided in a family member about this horror. She hadn’t told me,” he stated.
The state government faced mounting pressure as the BJP accused the Congress administration of attempting to silence the victim and downplay the incident.
The Karnataka BJP unit organized a significant protest in Haveri, led by Opposition Leader R. Ashoka and former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, demanding that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) take over the investigation.