HAVERI: A celebratory rally held by seven accused in a gang rape case after getting bail has sparked widespread outrage in Haveri district. While the police have apprehended five of them, they are searching the remaining accused and supporters. The incident relates to a gang rape reported in January 2024 under limits. A total of 19 persons were arrested in connection with the case. While 12 of them had secured bail earlier, the remaining seven were granted bail on May 20. They walked out of Haveri Sub jail the following day. According to police, shortly after their release, the seven accused travelled in a convoy of cars and motorcycles to Akki Alur village, allegedly celebrating their return by holding a procession. Videos of the rally have gone viral on social media, prompting outrage from the public and political leaders. Acting immediately the Haveri district police filed a fresh case and approached the court seeking cancellation of their bail. Rowdy sheets had already been opened against the accused. Following the rally, a new FIR has been registered at Hanagal Police Station under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 — including provisions related to breach of public peace and violation of bail conditions. “We will submit a petition seeking cancellation of bail as there is a violation of bail conditions,” Haveri Superintendent of Police Anshu Kumar told reporters. Reacting sharply to the incident, BJP State President BY Vijayendra criticized the Congress-led state government for its failure to uphold law and order. Taking to social media platform X, he said the roadshow by the accused reflected a breakdown of governance. “When criminals accused of heinous crimes like gang rape celebrate bail with a roadshow, it signals the erosion of a civilized society,” Vijayendra said. He said that the accused—who have a criminal background—had turned their release on bail into a public celebration, raising questions about the state’s legal and administrative machinery. “The behavior of these accused, as if ‘committing a crime is a badge of honour,’ reflects a dangerous mindset. The failure of the Congress government to curb such conduct has left women and civilized citizens with no assurance of safety or justice,” he added. Vijayendra added that the accused appeared to be treating their bail as if they had been acquitted of all charges, and their arrogance not only insulted the judicial system but also mocked the very concept of justice. He urged the state government to act immediately and take strict action against the accused to restore public confidence. “If the government still wishes to convey that law and order prevail in Karnataka and that the state is not in the grip of anti-social elements, it must respond with firm action,” Vijayendra said.
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