In a disturbing case of moral policing that unfolded in Haveri district, Karnataka, a victim has come forward with a harrowing account, alleging that she was gang-raped by vigilantes who subjected her to physical assault. The incident occurred in Hangal town on January 8, when the victim was pulled out of a hotel room after being found with a person from another religion. She was subsequently attacked by a group of six men, leading to severe physical harm and, as she later revealed, sexual assault.
According to media reports, the victim, in an emotional video appeal, detailed the traumatic experience she endured at the hands of the vigilantes. The assailants, enforcing their version of moral policing, targeted the victim for being with someone from a different religious background, unleashing violence that escalated into a horrifying incident of gang rape.
The victim, visibly distressed in the video, demanded justice and urged the police to take swift action against the perpetrators. “I want them to be punished,” she asserted, highlighting the brutality she faced during the ordeal.
Haveri Superintendent of Police (SP) acknowledged the severity of the incident, stating, “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; investigation is ongoing. As of now, we have arrested two in the incident,” as reported by news agency ANI.
The incident has triggered widespread condemnation, with political leaders and citizens expressing outrage over the heinous act committed under the guise of moral policing. Karnataka BJP leader CT Ravi denounced the incident as an inhuman act of moral policing, emphasizing the urgency of immediate action. He urged against engaging in vote bank politics and called for unequivocal intolerance towards such incidents.
Another Karnataka BJP leader, R Ashoka, condemned the incident, emphasizing the need for stringent action against the perpetrators. He criticized the state’s law and order situation, alleging a lack of fear among the people due to inadequate enforcement.
Former Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Basavaraj S Bommai took to social media to condemn the assault, branding it as highly condemnable. He called for the arrest of all those involved in the moral policing and demanded strict punishment for their actions. Bommai expressed concern over the recurring instances of moral policing in Karnataka, questioning the effectiveness of law and order in the state.
The incident has raised questions about the state government’s response to such acts and the broader issue of moral policing. Bommai called out Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for his silence on the incident, urging him to clarify his stand. The former CM questioned whether the government’s silence was influenced by the perpetrators’ community, highlighting the need for a transparent and unbiased approach in addressing such sensitive matters.
As the investigation unfolds, public outcry for justice intensifies, emphasizing the importance of holding those responsible accountable for their actions. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by moral policing and the urgent need for robust measures to prevent and address such incidents. The victim’s plea for justice resonates as a call for systemic changes to ensure the safety and security of individuals against arbitrary acts of violence and moral vigilantism.