Justice Served: 12 Convicted in Shocking Dalit Woman Parade Case in Karnataka

A local court in Belagavi, Karnataka, has convicted 12 individuals for their roles in the horrific public humiliation of a Dalit woman. The incident, which involved her being stripped and paraded, has drawn significant outrage and criticism towards the state government for its failure to prevent such violence. The court sentenced the accused to five years in prison and imposed fines, while the Karnataka High Court expressed deep concern over the implications for women's safety in the region. This case has sparked discussions about systemic issues of violence against marginalized communities in India.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 4, 2026, 17:39 IST

Court Delivers Verdict in Disturbing Case

In a significant ruling, a local court in Belagavi has found 12 individuals guilty in the harrowing case involving the public humiliation of a Dalit woman from Vantamuri village, Karnataka. The incident, which took place on December 10, 2023, involved the woman being forcibly removed from her home, stripped, and paraded.

The assault escalated to the point where she was tied to an electric pole, a brutal act reportedly motivated by her son’s elopement with a girl from the same village. The violence was allegedly instigated by the girl's family.

The Karnataka High Court had previously condemned the state government for the Police Department's inability to prevent such a grievous incident.

Judge H. S. Manjunath of the 10th Additional District and Sessions Court sentenced the convicted individuals to five years of rigorous imprisonment, alongside fines of Rs 1,000 for each of the 12 charges they faced.

The individuals convicted include Basappa Nayaka, Raju Nayaka, Kempanna Nayaka, Parvathi Nayaka, Yallavva Nayaka, Lakkappa Nayaka, Gangavva, Sangeetha Hegganayaka, Santhosh Nayaka, Shobha Nayaka, Lakkavva Nayaka, and Shivappa Vannur.

Following the verdict, family members of the convicted expressed their emotions, with many breaking down in tears, as did the convicted individuals within the courtroom.

This incident has been a significant embarrassment for the ruling Congress-led government, occurring during the Winter Session of the Karnataka Assembly in Belagavi.

A Division Bench of the Karnataka High Court, led by then Chief Justice P.B. Varale and Justice Krishna S. Dixit, expressed outrage, highlighting the fear such incidents instill in women across the country. They remarked that no one came to the woman's aid, contrasting her plight with that of Draupadi from the Mahabharata, who had divine intervention.

The High Court took suo motu cognizance of the case and registered a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), noting that while some villagers attempted to intervene, many others stood by as passive observers.

In recognition of their bravery, the Karnataka Police later honored those who tried to prevent the woman's humiliation, including PSI Manjunath Hulakunda and five other officers who acted swiftly.

Additionally, the state government has granted two acres of land to the victim as part of its support.