In a horrifying case from Davanagere district, Karnataka, a woman was allegedly gang-raped by a bus driver, conductor, and helper in front of her two sons. The assault occurred late at night on March 31 after she boarded the last bus home from Ucchangidurga temple.
The accused—driver Prakash Madivalara, conductor Suresh, and helper Rajashekar—allegedly took the woman and her children to an isolated area near Channapura. After gagging and tying the children, they sexually assaulted the mother. Passersby and nearby farmers heard cries and rushed to help, managing to rescue her.
The accused were initially handed over to Arasikere police. However, the local police allegedly tried to suppress the case. It is claimed they didn’t register an FIR, forced the victim to sign a blank paper, and gave her Rs 2,000 for clothes. They reportedly dropped her back at the temple and let the accused go.
The victim and her children spent the night at the temple. Days later, local Dalit leaders discovered her plight and reported the matter to Vijayanagar SP Shrihari Babu B.L.. Under his direct supervision, the victim’s statement was officially recorded, and the three accused were re-arrested.
Disturbingly, one of the accused already has seven previous cases against him. The case has now drawn statewide outrage over police negligence and demands for justice.
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