Outrage has erupted in Karnataka's Haveri district after seven men, accused in a 2024 gang-rape case, celebrated their release on bail with a public procession, leading to their re-arrest. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from legal experts, women's rights groups, and the general public, raising serious concerns about victim safety, witness protection, and the integrity of the judicial process.
The case dates back to January 2024, when the accused allegedly attacked a 26-year-old woman for being seen with a boy from another faith. The woman was reportedly dragged into a nearby forest and gang-raped. Nineteen individuals were arrested in connection with the crime; seven as primary accused in the gang-rape and twelve others for allegedly facilitating the crime or physically assaulting the survivor. While the latter group had been granted bail roughly 10 months prior, the remaining seven secured bail from the Haveri sessions court on May 20, 2025, after being in judicial custody for over 17 months.
Following their release from Haveri sub-jail, the accused were greeted by a large crowd of supporters and taken in a motorcade to Akki Alur town, approximately 30 km away. Videos circulating on social media showed a celebratory procession featuring motorcycles, cars, music, and the accused flashing victory signs while their names were cheered. Reports indicate that around 10 cars and 30 bikes were part of the procession.
The public display triggered immediate backlash, with many criticizing the insensitivity and potential intimidation factor of such a celebration. Legal experts and women's rights advocates pointed out that the behavior might have violated the conditions of their bail and sent a wrong message to society. Haveri Superintendent of Police Anshu Kumar Srivastava confirmed that an FIR was registered against the accused for unlawful assembly and rash driving in connection with the procession.
Responding to the public outcry, the court swiftly cancelled the bail granted to the seven accused and ordered their return to the sub-jail. As of May 23, 2025, police have re-arrested four of the seven primary accused. Authorities have also indicated that a "rowdy-sheet" will be opened against these accused, and the court will be appealed to for cancellation of their bail.
The incident has also taken on a political dimension, with opposition parties questioning the Congress government's handling of the case and the apparent lack of a strong case presented against the accused. Concerns have been raised regarding the survivor's safety and the potential pressure she may face to alter her testimony. Activists are urging judicial scrutiny of the bail process and calling for robust support mechanisms for survivors of sexual assault. The case initially emerged as a moral policing incident involving an interfaith couple but was reclassified as gang-rape after the woman's testimony. She has reiterated her account before a magistrate and identified the accused during an official identification parade.