Four Muslim Youths Arrested in Gangavathi for Alleged Assault on Salesman
In a disturbing incident from Gangavathi city in Koppal district, four Muslim youths were arrested on February 4 in connection with the alleged assault of a 27-year-old salesman. The victim, identified as Venkatesh Avalamand, is a resident of Basapattana village in Gangavathi taluk.
Police Case Registered Based on Victim's Complaint
Based on a detailed complaint lodged by Venkatesh at the Gangavathi Town police station, authorities have registered a case against eight persons. The accused include individuals named Khaja Peer, Amir, and Indravali, among others. The complaint outlines a series of events that began on the night of February 3.
Incident Stemmed from Helping Neighbour
According to the police complaint, the incident occurred when Venkatesh had gone to the Gangavathi bus terminus to drop a Muslim woman and her children. This assistance was provided at the specific request of the woman's family, who happen to be Venkatesh's neighbours. What began as a simple act of neighbourly help quickly escalated into a violent confrontation.
Alleged Sequence of Events
The complaint states that a group of Muslim youths approached Venkatesh and questioned him about accompanying the woman. The situation deteriorated when they allegedly snatched his mobile phone and examined his gallery, demanding to know why he had photographs of Muslim girls. Despite the woman clarifying that she knew Venkatesh and he was simply helping her family, the youths reportedly did not listen to her explanation.
The confrontation took a more serious turn when the youths allegedly forced Venkatesh to move around the city on a scooter. At approximately 11:30 pm, he was taken near the railway tracks in the Siddikeri area where the physical assault occurred.
Forced Confession and Threats
Venkatesh further claimed in his complaint that he was forced to confess that he loved the woman and was threatened with death if he did not comply. The assailants allegedly recorded a video of this forced love confession before leaving the location. After being abandoned by his attackers, Venkatesh managed to walk to a hospital for medical treatment before filing the formal police complaint.
SDPI Members Create Ruckus at Police Station
Following the registration of the case, members of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) along with some Muslim youths reached the police station and engaged in a verbal altercation with police personnel. They questioned why a case had been registered only against them and demanded that a counter-case be registered against Venkatesh under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, leading to significant disturbance at the station.
Family of Muslim Woman Supports Victim
Meanwhile, the family of the Muslim woman involved in the incident has stood firmly by Venkatesh, stating that he had only come to help them and had done nothing wrong. This support from the woman's family adds an important dimension to the ongoing investigation.
Police Investigation and Reconciliation Efforts
Superintendent of Police Dr. Ram L. Arasiddi visited Gangavathi during the night of February 4 to gather detailed information about the incident. Sources indicate that SDPI activists have allegedly put pressure on the woman's family to file a POCSO case if the original complaint is not withdrawn.
Gangavathi Deputy Superintendent of Police Jayappa Nyamagoudar confirmed that the investigation is actively ongoing. He also mentioned that reconciliation talks are currently underway between the complainant and the accused parties as part of the resolution process.
The case continues to develop as police work to establish all facts surrounding this complex incident that has drawn attention from multiple community groups in the region.
