Horrific Gang Rape Incident in Karnataka: Victim Assaulted in Front of Her Children
Disturbing Incident in Davanagere
Davanagere: A deeply troubling incident has emerged from Karnataka's Davanagere district, where a woman was reportedly gang-raped in front of her two children aboard a private bus. Authorities have apprehended three suspects linked to this heinous act.
As per reports, the victim was on her way home with her sons after visiting the renowned Ucchangidurga temple in Harapanahalli, located within the Davanagere district.
The assault occurred when the bus driver, conductor, and helper took the vehicle to a secluded area near Channapura village, close to Davanagere city.
In a shocking turn of events, it has been alleged that local law enforcement attempted to cover up the incident, with action only being taken after the intervention of Vijayanagar Superintendent of Police, Shrihari Babu B.L.
Initial reports suggest that the victim, who resides in Vijayanagar district, had traveled to attend a religious fair at the Ucchangidurga temple with her children on March 31. After arriving late, she boarded the last bus to Davanagere.
The bus had seven to eight passengers, but once they disembarked, the accused proceeded with the crime. Witnesses indicated that the driver took the bus to a remote location, where he gagged the children and restrained them while their mother was assaulted.
Fortunately, nearby farmers and passers-by heard the commotion and rushed to the scene, rescuing the woman.
The three suspects—driver Prakash Madivalara, conductor Suresh, and helper Rajashekar—were apprehended and handed over to the Arasikere police. Reports indicate that one of the suspects has a history of seven prior offenses.
Despite locals alerting the police and delivering the suspects to the Arasikere jurisdiction, initial attempts to file a report were allegedly thwarted. It is claimed that the police coerced the victim into signing a blank document.
Furthermore, the police reportedly provided her with Rs 2,000 to buy new clothes, which were damaged during the incident, and advised her against pursuing the matter, warning that it could complicate her life.
Afterward, they returned her to the Ucchangidurga temple, telling her they would contact her when necessary. The victim and her children spent the night at the temple, while it is alleged that the police allowed the suspects to go free.
Local Dalit leaders eventually learned of the woman's plight and her children's extended stay at the temple, prompting them to reach out for help.
They informed SP Shrihari Babu about the situation, leading him to request the victim and the leaders to come to the Arasikere police station. Under his supervision, the victim's statement was recorded, and the suspects were arrested once more.
In another alarming incident, a young woman migrant laborer from Bihar was kidnapped and raped while searching for food with her brother near a railway station in Bengaluru early Thursday morning.