Seven accused in a 2024 gang rape case in Karnataka’s Haveri district received a ‘grand welcome’ from their friends and ‘fans’ after they were recently released on bail.
The video of the incident went viral, prompting the district police to approach the court to cancel the bail granted to the accused.
The incident took place on May 20 in the Haveri district, which is about 300 km from the state capital of Bengaluru, but came to light when the video of the celebrations went viral.
The seven accused were part of a group of 19 who were arrested for allegedly assaulting a Muslim woman and a Hindu man after they had checked into a lodge in the Haveri district. Following the assault, the local police had registered a gang rape case. The other 12 accused were released on bail previously.
The seven who received bail on May 20 have been identified as Aftab Chandanakatti, Madar Saab Mandakki, Samiwulla Lalanavar, Mohammad Sadiq Agasimani, Shoib Mulla, Tausip Choti, and Riyaz Savikeri.
In the videos that went viral on Instagram and other social media platforms, the seven accused were seen in open-top vehicles that sported banners like ‘Bhai Log Release’, flanked by a convoy of cars and two-wheeler riders.
A police officer said that the seven accused have been brought back to the local police station for further investigation on Friday.
Reacting to the incident, Harish Hanagal, District Convenor, Hindu Jagarana Vedike, said, “The celebration happened in front of Akki Alur outpost police station, and they (the police) were aware of it. But they initiated the action only when the videos went viral and the media highlighted the incident.”
The Mahila Jagarana Vedhike has decided to take out a protest rally in the district on Saturday, demanding the arrest of those who participated in the celebration.
Anshu Kumar Srivastava, Superintendent of Police, Haveri district, said that a First Information Report (FIR) has been lodged on charges of unlawful assembly and rash driving. The police have also seized two cars that participated in the rally.
According to sources, the victim was first forced to withdraw the complaint last year, but she later posted a video narrating her ordeal, leading to the arrest of the accused.