Pramesh S Jain
In a landmark judgment,the Belagavi Additional 10th District and Sessions Court has sentenced 12 accused to five years of rigorous imprisonment each in connection with the shocking assault and public humiliation of a woman at Vantamuri village in Belagavi district.
The case pertains to a brutal incident reported from Hosavantamuri village, under the jurisdiction of Kakathi Police Station, on the midnight of December 11,2023.
The victim,a 42-year-old woman belonging to the Scheduled Tribe community,was allegedly assaulted, stripped naked,tied to an electric pole and brutally beaten by the accused.
According to the prosecution,the incident occurred following a dispute triggered by a love relationship,after the complainant’s son allegedly eloped with the daughter of the prime accused.
In retaliation,the accused persons allegedly formed an unlawful assembly,forcibly entered the victim’s house around 2 a.m.assaulted her,threatened her with death, tore her mangalsutra, dragged her out and subjected her to extreme physical and mental abuse,outraging her modesty and dignity.
A case was registered at Kakathi Police Station under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code,including serious charges such as attempt to murder,robbery, criminal intimidation,house trespass,and outraging the modesty of a woman,along with provisions of the Prevention of Destruction and Loss of Property Act.
Given the gravity of the offence,the investigation was transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on December 16, 2023.
The CID completed the investigation and filed a charge sheet on April 22, 2024,citing 92 witnesses and 37 material exhibits.
The trial was prosecuted by Special Public Prosecutor Mr.Sulled.
Taking suo motu cognizance,the Karnataka High Court had earlier directed the trial court to complete the proceedings within one year.
During the trial,45 witnesses were examined,and the court found the testimonies of the victim and eyewitnesses to be credible and well-supported by material evidence.
Pronouncing the verdict,the court convicted Accused Nos.1 to 12 under multiple sections of the IPC read with Section 149,holding them guilty of forming an unlawful assembly and committing the heinous crime.
The judgment is being hailed as a milestone in ensuring justice,women’s safety, and protection of human dignity, sending a strong message against crimes targeting vulnerable communities.
A thorough fair and impartial investigation was conducted by the then Superintendent of
Police,CID,Special Enquiries Division,Pruthvik Shankar, IPS,as the Investigating Officer,assisted by Mrs. Anjumala,Deputy Superintendent of Police,and Mr. Narayani,Police Inspector,under the guidance and supervision of senior CID officers.
The trial proceedings were closely and continuously monitored by Mrs.Shubhanwita,IPS,the
then Superintendent of Police,Special Enquiries Division, CID,Bengaluru,ensuring effective prosecution and the timely examination of all witnesses and evidence produced before the Court through the Special Public Prosecutor,Mr.Sulled.
