In a significant development, the Karnataka High Court has granted bail to six men and five women accused of assaulting and disrobing a 42-year-old woman in Belagavi. The assault allegedly occurred due to the elopement of the victim's son with a girl from the same village, who was engaged to another man.
Justice S Vishwajith Shetty, presiding over the case, emphasized that the investigation was complete and noted specific details about the accused, including the presence of women and a 19-year-old boy among them, with no prior criminal background.
The incident, which took place before dawn on December 11, 2023, shocked the community when the victim was reportedly tied to a pole, beaten, stripped, and paraded in the village. Police intervention occurred after a villager alerted the authorities, leading to the rescue of the victim.
Initially, the accused were arrested following suo motu cognizance by the High Court on December 12, 2023. Their bail applications were rejected by the trial court, prompting them to appeal to the High Court.
During the proceedings, the defense counsel highlighted that there was no pre-existing animosity between the parties involved and argued that the victim did not sustain severe injuries. Conversely, the High Court Government Pleader (HCGP) asserted the gravity of the offense, emphasizing the violent nature of the assault.
After careful consideration of medical reports and the circumstances surrounding the case, the Court observed that the victim's injuries were not severe and that only three accused, all women, were implicated in the act of disrobing.
Consequently, taking into account the completion of the investigation and the absence of a criminal background among the accused, the Court granted bail to all eleven accused. The bail was subject to the execution of personal bonds amounting to ₹1,00,000 each, along with two sureties for the same amount.
The decision marks a significant legal development in the ongoing proceedings, reflecting the Court's assessment of the case's merits and the application of appropriate legal principles in granting bail to the accused.