The incident of assault on women in Vantmuri Village of Belgaum taluk in December last year garnered national attention and compelled the state to take action. The individuals responsible for stripping and assaulting the woman were apprehended. However, they have now been granted bail after four months. It is disgraceful that they were welcomed with garlands and sweets upon their release.
During the winter session in Belgaum on December 10, 2023, a woman in Vantamuri village was stripped, paraded, tied to a pole, and assaulted due to a love-related issue. The Kakati police arrested 13 individuals in connection with the case and detained them in Hindalaga jail. Recently, the High Court granted conditional bail to all the accused, leading to their release from jail on Monday night.
The primary accused, Basappa Naik, was greeted with garlands and sweets outside the prison premises. Additionally, supporters of the accused planned to lead a procession in Vantamuri village, but police intervention prevented it. Despite this, some individuals celebrated by setting off fireworks. Videos capturing the jubilation outside the jail have circulated widely on social media platforms.
Justice S Vishwajith Shetty, presiding at the Dharwad bench, granted the petition filed by Raju Naik and others. The court highlighted that “From a perusal of the allegations found in the FIR as well as in the charge sheet, it appeared that the accused lacked any premeditated motive or ill will towards the victim. The incident unfolded subsequent to the elopement of accused No.1 daughter with the victim’s son.”
“Describing the petitioners as primarily agriculturists, including five women and a 19-year-old student, the court emphasized their lack of criminal backgrounds. Despite prosecution opposition, citing the gravity of the crime, the court noted that the victim’s injuries were not severe. It pointed out that specific allegations of disrobing the victim were only against three of the accused women.” the Court added.
Given the petitioners’ four-month detention, the court granted bail upon execution of a personal bond of Rs.1,00,000 each with two sureties. It mandated their regular appearance before the trial court and prohibited any interference with prosecution witnesses.
Moreover, a division bench of the High Court, addressing a suo-motu petition, directed the expeditious completion of the trial within a year. Additionally, to ensure the victim’s well-being, the court instructed the Welfare Officer of the Women and Child Welfare Department to visit her every two months.
This decision underscores the judicial process’s intricacies and the imperative to balance the rights of the accused with ensuring justice for the victim.
