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A major controversy has erupted in Haveri, Karnataka, after seven men accused of gangrape were welcomed with a celebratory procession following their release on bail. The roadshow began at Haveri sub-jail and concluded in Akki Alur town, located roughly 25 kilometers away. A convoy of five vehicles, carrying more than 20 supporters, accompanied the accused through the streets.

Videos of the procession, now circulating on social media, show the men being paraded through the town’s main roads in a display.

The 2024 Gangrape Case

The case traces back to January 2024, when a woman filed a complaint alleging that she had been gang-raped by the seven individuals. According to the victim, the incident occurred after a group stormed into a lodge in Hangal, targeting a couple due to their interfaith relationship, as per a report on India Today. The attackers allegedly beat the man and then abducted the woman, taking her to a remote area where she was sexually assaulted.

Initially, police registered a case related to moral policing. However, based on the woman’s testimony, the charges were later expanded to include gangrape. She stated that after being attacked at the lodge, she was forcibly taken to a wooded area near Nalkuru Cross, where the assault occurred, reported News18. The accused allegedly abandoned her near the lodge afterward. The incident came to light on January 10, when lodge staff alerted authorities.

All seven accused hail from Akki Alur in the Haveri district. The case has sparked political backlash with former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai criticising the Congress-led state government for what he described as a failure to ensure justice.

Public outrage intensified further following the roadshow with citizens and activists demanding accountability and denouncing the public glorification of individuals still facing serious charges.