Hubballi police have arrested three individuals in connection with a horrific sexual assault case, where a 35-year-old woman was allegedly raped and the visuals of the crime were later circulated on a messaging platform. The incident has sent shockwaves through the city, prompting swift police action and community outrage.
Chronology of a Heinous Crime
The traumatic episode unfolded on the night of January 9, between 11:30 PM and midnight. According to Hubballi-Dharwad Police Commissioner N Shashi Kumar, the victim was allegedly picked up in an autorickshaw from Ambedkar Ground. The accused, identified as Shivanand and Ganesh, both daily-wage labourers, are said to have misbehaved with her, forced her to consume alcohol, and then sexually assaulted her.
In a further violation, the men recorded photos and videos of the assault before dropping her back at the same location. The police machinery swung into action only after these distressing visuals began circulating among the public, triggering alerts. Authorities then traced the woman within Hubballi city.
Police Investigation and Victim's Background
"Initially, her identity was not known. During the inquiry, it emerged that she had been staying near temples across the city for the past one-and-a-half months and was eating at Siddharoodha Math," Commissioner Kumar revealed. Police registered a case suo motu (on its own motion) before recording a formal complaint after locating the woman.
An FIR has been filed under sections related to rape and provisions of the IT Act for recording and circulating the videos. Investigations revealed that the woman had come to Hubballi approximately six weeks ago from another district following a dispute with her husband, who is now arrested and lodged in Shivamogga jail in connection with that separate matter.
The woman is reported to be stable and has been sent for a medical examination.
Arrests and Community Backlash
Police have arrested the two primary accused, Shivanand and Ganesh, for the sexual assault. A third person, Pradeep, also a daily-wage labourer, was arrested for allegedly circulating the incriminating visuals. All three will be produced before a court.
The case took another turn when, upon learning about the accused's involvement, some residents of the Old Hubballi area allegedly assaulted and tonsured the two rape accused. A separate case was registered based on a complaint filed by Shivanand, leading to four persons being taken into custody for this assault.
In the wake of this incident, Commissioner Kumar said instructions have been issued to identify homeless women and children near public places and shift them to rescue and rehabilitation centres to prevent such vulnerabilities.
