Man Brutally Assaulted in Koppal After Being Spotted with Muslim Woman
A disturbing incident of alleged moral policing and interfaith violence has shaken Karnataka's Koppal district, where a Hindu man was abducted, brutally assaulted, and robbed after being seen with a Muslim woman. The attack occurred on Tuesday night at the Gangavathi bus stand, highlighting ongoing tensions in the region.
Violent Abduction and Assault
According to police reports, the victim had gone to the Gangavathi bus stand around 11 PM to drop off the woman and her daughter when a gang approached him. The assailants questioned why he was standing with a Muslim woman, despite his explanation that they were neighbors and he was merely helping them.
The situation quickly escalated as the gang snatched his mobile phone, dragged him onto a two-wheeler, and took him to an isolated location. There, he was subjected to a horrific beating with beer bottles, repeated kicks, and assaults with footwear.
Forced Confession and Robbery
The victim's ordeal intensified when the gang began recording a video, forcing him to falsely confess to having a year-long love relationship with the minor girl. "Warning with dire consequences, the gang started recording a video where they forced me to say that I had been in a love relationship with the minor girl for a year," the man stated in the FIR.
After the physical assault, the perpetrators robbed him of Rs 550 from his pocket before abandoning him. He was later found in critical condition by a friend and rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Police Response and Arrests
Ram L Arasiddi, Superintendent of Police in Koppal, confirmed that four men have been arrested in connection with the incident. The police have registered a comprehensive case under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including:
- Unlawful assembly
- Rioting
- Kidnapping
- Voluntarily causing hurt
- Attempt to murder
- Dacoity
- Criminal intimidation
Investigations are currently underway to determine the full extent of the crime and identify any additional perpetrators.
Family Support and Community Reactions
In a significant development, the woman and her family members have come forward to support the victim, confirming that he has always been like a son to them and regularly assisted them. This statement directly contradicts the gang's allegations of an inappropriate relationship.
Meanwhile, members of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) staged protests in front of the Gangavati town police station, demanding that a case be registered against the man under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. This demand has added another layer of complexity to an already sensitive situation.
The incident has sparked concerns about growing moral policing and interfaith tensions in Karnataka, with authorities under pressure to ensure justice while maintaining communal harmony in the region.
