Gang rape incidents – Former CM Bommai demands SIT probe

Team Udayavani, Jan 14, 2024, 8:37 AM IST

Former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai asserted that justice for victims of sexual assault is unattainable through local police and urged the formation of a Special Investigation Team to probe gang rape incidents.

Bommai, in a press conference at the party office, called for senior police officers to investigate promptly, ensuring a timely charge sheet for maximum punishment.

Addressing the Haveri incident, where a couple was assaulted, Bommai expressed concern over only three arrests and demanded a thorough inquiry.  “So far, only three persons have been arrested in connection with the Haveri incident, and why not all the miscreants? The BJP women’s delegation would visit Haveri to collect information. The court also be requested to seek a proper inquiry,” an ANI report quoted him as saying.

He criticized the deteriorating law and order, citing a 30% increase in crimes against women in Bengaluru. He highlighted incidents like a woman allegedly beaten and stripped in a village near Suvarna Soudha, emphasizing the need for effective action. “In Bengaluru alone, the crime against women has increased by 30 percent. Rape, extortion, and violence have increased. Women were not safe, even in rural areas. Many cases pertaining to women have been hushed up. The police have become mute spectators. Even while the Belagavi session was going on, a woman in a village near the Suvarna Soudha had been allegedly beaten up and stripped in public. This shows that the miscreants have no fear of the government or the police,” he said.

“Is visiting the hospital to meet the victim sufficient? So far, a proper inquiry has not been done and many of the accused are still at large. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah hasn’t taken any steps despite what has happened to a Dalit woman,” Bommai said.

Bommai characterized Karnataka as having descended into a state of “Jungle Raj,” attributing the rise of illegal clubs to local Congress leaders.

He questioned arrests in Hubballi without filed cases, the sexual assault of a five-year-old in Kolar, and a gang rape in Haveri. Criticizing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s silence, Bommai concluded by labeling Karnataka under “Jungle Raj.”

Former Deputy Chief Minister Govind Karjol, Ashwath Narayana, MLA SRVishwanath, and other leaders attended the press conference.

(With ANI inputs)