Belagavi: In a landmark judgment, the 10th Additional District and Sessions Court, Belagavi on Tuesday convicted 12 accused in the brutal case involving the public stripping, tying and assault of a woman in Hosavantamuri village of Belagavi taluk. The quantum of sentence will be pronounced on Wednesday.
The incident, which occurred on December 11, 2023, had sparked widespread outrage and national-level debate. According to the prosecution, the violence was triggered after a young man eloped with a woman he was in a relationship with. Enraged by the act, members of the woman’s family allegedly targeted the young man’s mother, publicly stripping her, tying her to an electric pole, and assaulting her in full public view.
A case was registered at the Kakati Police Station, and the police subsequently filed a charge sheet against 13 accused, including one juvenile. Following an extensive trial, presided over by Judge H.S. Manjunath, the court found 12 accused—six men and six women—guilty of the offences.
Proceedings against the juvenile accused are still pending before the appropriate legal forum under juvenile justice provisions.
The case had drawn significant attention in the aftermath of the incident, with both the National Commission for Women and the State Women’s Commission visiting the village and conducting independent inquiries. Fact-finding committees were also constituted to examine the circumstances surrounding the crime.
The sentencing order is awaited, with the verdict being viewed as a significant moment in addressing crimes involving mob violence and gender-based brutality.
Also Read: Kakati Horror Case: Belagavi Court Convicts 12, Awards 5 Years RI Each
ಇದನ್ನೂ ಓದಿ: ಬೆಳಗಾವಿ ಮಹಿಳಾ ದೌರ್ಜನ್ಯ ಪ್ರಕರಣ: 12 ಆರೋಪಿಗಳು ತಪ್ಪಿತಸ್ಥರು; ಶಿಕ್ಷೆಯ ಪ್ರಮಾಣ ನಾಳೆ
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