Fresh case of moral policing in Karnataka: Interfaith couple assaulted in Hangal; two arrested

Despite the Karnataka government’s assurance on ending moral policing, the state continues to witness such incidents.

On 6 January, a case of moral policing was reported at Market Police Station in Belagavi as a group of 17 miscreants assaulted two cousins.

In another moral policing incident in Chikkamagaluru district, a college student was reportedly thrashed for giving chocolates to a girl belonging to a different religion at a bus stand in Mudigere town on 10 January.

Also Read: Cousins from different religions fall victim to moral policing in Belagavi

The latest incident

In the latest incident, on 8 January, a group of miscreants from a minority community barged into a lodge at Hangal town and allegedly assaulted an interfaith couple who were staying there.

The victims have been identified as residents of Sirsi. The incident occurred when they were residing at Idigas Lodge in Hangal town.

An employee of Idigas Lodge, Vinay Kyasanur, registered a complaint with Hangal Police Station. The police booked the accused under Indian Penal Code (IPC) Sections 354 (B), 506, 504, 143, 147, 149, 448, 323 and 354.

According to the complaint, “Around 12.30 pm on 8 January, Somashekhar (45) and the woman (name retracted) had taken a room for rent. After an hour, a group of people barged into their room. The miscreants threatened, assaulted the couple, used offensive language, tore their clothes, and took them out of the lodge.”

The complainant has named Aftab Chandanakatti (24), Madarasaba Mandakki (23), and Samivulla Lalanavar (30), residents of Akkialur village in Hangal taluka.

Also Read: Karnataka Police’s Anti-Communal Wing to curb moral policing

Two arrested

Acting on the complaint, Hangal Police arrested two miscreants and are on a hunt for the remaining suspects

Detailing the incident, Hangal’s Police Inspector Yellappa H told South First, “A group of around five to six people barged into a lodge on 8 January. They attacked a couple who were living in the same hotel. The victims have suffered minor injuries.”

“As soon as the incident came to our notice, we rushed to the spot. The victims had already left the hotel and switched off their mobile phones.”

“We were able to establish contact with them and also took their statements. We don’t know how the victims are related. The investigation is still underway. We have arrested two miscreants, Aftab Chandanakatti and Madarasaba Mandakki, and are in search for the remaining accused,” said Yellappa.

SP Dr Anshu Kumar told South First: “An FIR was filed on 10 January. We have already taken statements from the victims and arrested two people connected to the case. We will produce them before the court on Thursday (11 January).”

“There are around five to six miscreants suspected to be involved in the incident. We will arrest the remaining accused, who are at large, at the earliest. The probe is underway,” stated SP Anshu Kumar.