In a shocking incident that has rocked the Udupi district, a young Hindu woman was allegedly gang-raped by a group of other community youths in Karkala. The heinous crime came to light after the victim was admitted to a hospital, prompting swift action by the local police, who have already arrested two of the accused.
The accused, identified as Altaf, reportedly met the victim through Instagram. According to the police, Altaf had been in contact with the young woman for about three months before orchestrating the assault. On August 23 afternoon, he invited the woman to meet him under the pretence of a friendly gathering. Once she arrived, Altaf, along with two accomplices, allegedly drugged the victim by mixing a substance into a bottle of beer. The trio then proceeded to gang-rape her.
After the assault, the accused fled, leaving the disoriented victim near her house. The young woman managed to seek help, leading to her hospitalisation. The local police acted quickly on the information provided by the victim, arresting Altaf and another individual named Savera Richard, who had assisted in bringing the beer used in the crime. The vehicle involved in the incident has also been seized as part of the ongoing investigation.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, particularly among Hindu activists who quickly mobilised to demand justice. They gathered at the local police station, insisting on immediately arresting all individuals involved in the crime. The case has drawn significant attention, especially given its disturbing similarities to a recent gang rape case involving a doctor in Kolkata.
Udupi District Superintendent of Police Dr Arun Kumar confirmed the incident and stated that the police had registered a case of gang rape based on the victim’s statement. “The young woman had known the accused through Instagram for three months. Altaf, the main accused, on August 23, around 10 am, made the victim sit in the car and then drive around various places in Karkala in Udupi district.
Around 1 pm, Altaf took the young woman to a deserted area in Ranganapalke, Kauduru village in Karkala taluk. He then called a friend and asked him to bring beer. Altaf told the police that after his friends brought the beer, they mixed it with drugs and raped the young woman. Altaf’s statements have fueled concerns that “love jihad” and a more extensive network may be behind the incident, potentially involving “drug jihad” as well.
Karkala Hindu Jagrana Vedike leader Shrikant Shetty has called for a more thorough investigation into the case, urging the authorities to expose any networks involved. He also emphasised the need for parents to warn their daughters and questioned how an introduction to social media could lead to such a serious crime.
The victim is currently receiving treatment at Manipal Kasturaba Medical College Hospital, and the police have assured them that legal action will be taken against all those involved.
The incident has also drawn sharp reactions from political figures. Karkala MLA Sunil Kumar expressed his outrage, labelling the assault as a deliberate act. He criticises the government’s handling of cases involving what he referred to as “love jihad,” a term used by some to describe alleged campaigns by Muslim men to convert Hindu women through deceit or coercion.
“The government’s neglect of cases like love jihad is the reason for such incidents. The government should be vigilant about this. Young women should learn from such incidents and be cautious. Hindu young women should stay away as much as possible. Hindu girls should be very careful about friendship and love and not succumb to desires and temptations. The government has failed to prevent such acts due to the deterioration of law and order,” said Sunil Kumar.
“Hindus have no protection after the Congress government came to power. They commit rape, and if not, they close the cases,” said Leader of the Opposition R. Ashok in a scathing criticism of the current government. He pointed out that incidents have occurred in Haveri, Hubli, and Karkala taluk. “MLC Ivan D’Souza said he will make Karnataka like Bengal, yet Congress has not taken any action against him,” Ashok added, asserting that law and order have collapsed in Karnataka.
The gang rape in Karkala has intensified discussions on the safety of women, especially in cases involving online interactions and cross-community relationships. The incident has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement and the need for more robust measures to prevent such crimes.
As the investigation continues, there is a growing demand for swift and decisive action to ensure justice is served. The police are pressured to apprehend and bring the remaining suspects to trial. Meanwhile, community leaders and activists are calling for increased awareness and education to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The case has once again highlighted the vulnerability of women in society and the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to combat sexual violence and protect the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their background.
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