In a disturbing turn of events, seven primary suspects in a gang-rape case were celebrated by their supporters in Haveri district after being released on bail, with video footage of the incident going viral on social media.
The accused, charged under IPC section 376D, were apprehended 17 months prior and held in Haveri sub-jail. They were granted bail by the Additional District and Sessions court of Haveri on May 20.
Haveri, Karnataka, was the site of a horrific crime 25 months ago when several men invaded the hotel room of an interfaith couple, forcibly taking the woman to a nearby forest to gang-rape her. Fast forward to the present, Haveri again witnessed a disturbing scene, this time marked by a celebratory public procession featuring motorcycles, cars, music, and loud chants as seven of the accused were released on bail.
A viral video depicting the accused smiling and making victory signs has incited outrage on social media. The procession took place in Akki Alur town of Haveri, where a convoy of motorcycles and cars escorted the released individuals through local streets.
Four of the seven main suspects in the January 2024 Hangal gang-rape case were re-arrested on May 23, Friday, after videos emerged showing them participating in a celebratory procession following their bail release.
Anshu Kumar Srivastava, the Superintendent of Police for Haveri district, confirmed that a new case has been filed against the four individuals for unlawful assembly and reckless driving. “We have registered cases and also submitted a request in court seeking the cancellation of bail for all seven primary accused,” he informed reporters.
The victim of the gang-rape was a 26-year-old woman from a minority community. She was reportedly in a long-term relationship with a 40-year-old driver from the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and had checked into a private hotel.
