Gang-raped for interfaith affair, Karnataka woman tells court

HAVERI: A Karnataka woman who was allegedly hounded by seven men from her community over an interfaith relationship told a judicial magistrate on Thursday that she was gang-raped by the group that barged into her hotel room in Hangal taluk, 80km from Hubli, four days ago.

The complainant, who was with her male companion at the time, said she was dragged to a forested area near Nalkuru Cross of Hangal and sexually assaulted by all seven men. Her companion was allegedly beaten up.

A separate video statement of her plight is also circulating on the social media.

"I pleaded with folded hands, but they were in no mood to listen. Three of them later dropped me at a bus stop, from where I reached my home," the woman said. "I don't know their names, but will be able to identify them if paraded before me."

Three of the seven suspects - identified as Aftab Maqbul Ahmed Chandanakatti, Madarasab Mohammad Isak Mandakki, and Abdul Khader Jafersab Hanchinamani - were arrested on Thursday. SP Anshu Srivastava confirmed that the survivor's account, as recorded by the magistrate, matched her video statement to the media.

Based on the new information, what was a case of alleged moral policing will now be treated as a serious crime. "We are recasting the FIR that was initially filed, based on information available at the time. We will invoke Section 376D (rape by one or more people with common intention) against the accused," SP said.

SP Srivastava also assured the survivor and her family of police protection.


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