Karnataka: Gang-Rape Accused In Hanagal Case Carry Out Victory Parade After Bail; Outrageous Video Surfaces

Bengaluru: In a disturbing development from Karnataka’s Haveri district, seven men accused in the January 2024 Hanagal gang-rape case staged a public celebration after securing bail on Thursday, May 23.

The accused were seen in a procession of cars and motorbikes, flashing victory signs and chanting slogans. The entire procession was captured on camera, which has now gone viral.

Have a look at the video here:

The parade took place in Akki Alur, the hometown of all seven accused: Aptab Chandanakatti, Madar Saab Mandakki, Samiwulla Lalanavar, Mohammad Sadiq Agasimani, Shoib Mulla, Tausip Choti, and Riyaz Savikeri.

They were recently granted bail by the Haveri Sessions Court after the survivor, during court proceedings, failed to positively identify them.

The accused had been in judicial custody for months following their arrest in connection with the brutal gang-rape of a 26-year-old woman. The incident had sparked political and public uproar in the state last year. Former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai had then criticised the Congress-led state government for its handling of the case.

The video footage of the bail celebration has reignited public anger. “The parade occurred in Akki Alur town of Haveri, where a convoy of motorbikes and cars accompanied the released individuals through local roads,” NDTV reported. The celebratory nature of the procession has prompted citizens and activists to question how such conduct could be permitted in a case of such grave nature.

The case dates back to January 8, 2024, when an interfaith couple checked into a lodge in Hanagal. A group of men allegedly stormed the room, assaulted the couple, and later dragged the woman to a nearby forest, where she was reportedly gang-raped. Initially filed as a case of moral policing, the charges were escalated after the woman gave a detailed statement to a magistrate three days later.

Haveri Superintendent of Police Anshu Kumar had then confirmed, “The victim’s statement has been recorded under 164 of the CrPC after producing her before the magistrate.”

Nineteen individuals were arrested overall, with twelve released earlier.

Published on: Friday, May 23, 2025, 01:47 PM IST