In a critical assessment of the local authorities' response to the recent incident of assault and stripping in Belagavi district, the Karnataka High Court has directed the State government to submit an additional status report. Expressing dissatisfaction with the actions taken post-incident, the court specifically sought information on whether the victim received proper counselling and questioned the delay in apprehending the remaining eight accused persons.
The distressing incident, stemming from a family dispute, prompted the High Court to initiate a suo moto case. The victim, a woman, faced alleged physical assault, public humiliation, and prolonged restraint to an electrical pole. The court raised serious concerns about the breakdown of law and order as the accused not only assaulted the victim but also engaged in criminal activities, including damaging and ransacking her house.
During the hearing, the court scrutinized the efficacy of the police's crime prevention apparatus, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation. The court noted the extended duration of the victim's ordeal, from 1 a.m. to 3.30 a.m., stressing the urgency for a comprehensive inquiry.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Prasanna B. Varale and Justice Krishna S. Dixit expressed deep concern over the incident, highlighting the vulnerability of women in the modern world. The court drew parallels with the Mahabharata, noting the victim's lack of assistance akin to Draupadi's plight.
The incident originated when the elopement of the victim's son with a girl from the same village on the night of December 10, disrupting the girl's scheduled engagement on December 11. In retaliation, relatives of the girl allegedly stormed the boy's house, leading to a violent assault on the victim.
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