In a development that has sparked outrage and concern, seven men accused in a gangrape case from January 2024 were welcomed with a celebratory roadshow shortly after their release on bail in Karnataka’s Haveri district.
The accused — Aftab Chandanakatti, Madar Saab Mandakki, Samiwulla Lalanavar, Mohammad Sadiq Agasimani, Shoib Mulla, Tausif Choti, and Riyaz Savikeri — had been arrested in connection with a brutal sexual assault that allegedly took place in early January. On their release from Haveri sub-jail, a procession of over 20 supporters in five vehicles escorted them through Akki Alur, a small town located about 25 kilometres from the prison.
Videos of the men parading through the streets surfaced on social media, drawing criticism from several quarters for what was seen as the glorification of individuals accused in a grave crime. In the footage, supporters can be seen cheering and escorting the accused in a convoy through the main roads of Akki Alur.
The Haveri sessions court granted the accused bail after the survivor failed to positively identify them during court proceedings. However, police investigations remain active, particularly in light of newly emerged video evidence.
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Authorities are currently verifying the authenticity of the celebratory videos. No official complaints have yet been filed regarding the footage, but police are said to be considering suo motu action.
The case stems from an incident on 7 January 2024, initially reported as a moral policing assault. The survivor and her partner, who were in an interfaith relationship, were reportedly attacked by a group of men while inside a hotel in Hangal village. According to the survivor’s testimony before a magistrate, she was forcibly taken from the hotel, sexually assaulted by the group, and later abandoned near a local lodge.
It was the lodge staff who notified authorities about the condition of the survivor, leading to a police complaint on 10 January. The case was filed under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including those pertaining to gang rape, abduction, and criminal intimidation.
Further investigation has revealed a troubling pattern. Some of the accused are believed to be habitual offenders and have been linked to previous incidents of violence and moral policing in the region.
The case continues to evoke strong reactions from women’s rights groups and legal experts, many of whom have expressed alarm at the public celebration of individuals accused of such a serious offence. Critics say such actions risk re-traumatising the survivor and sending a dangerous message about the social acceptance of crimes against women.
As the videos continue to circulate online, questions are being raised not only about the judicial outcome, but also the cultural climate that allows such public displays in the wake of a sensitive and ongoing legal matter.
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