Image Courtesy:timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Karnataka’ Home Minister Araga Jnanendra has a lot to answer to the citizens of his state and his political masters. In the wake of the horrific gangrape allegations, reported from Mysuru, and even as the survivor reportedly remains in a critical condition at hospital, the minister deemed it fit to blame the survivor, even ‘joking’ about the incident.
Jnanendra first blamed the survivor, and made remarks on the ‘timing’ of her visiting the site of the alleged crime. Speaking to media persons asking for his response to the crime, he reportedly said the survivor and her male friend who was also allegedly assaulted, “went to a desolate spot, at 7.30 p.m. They shouldn’t have gone there at that time. . It is a deserted place and no one usually goes there as no one will be there… But, we cannot stop anyone from going anywhere…”
As expected, the Opposition parties like the Congress condemned his remarks. KPCC president D.K. Shivakumar asked that Jnanendra and “his entire party should answer for such irresponsible statements.”
However Jnanendra’s response was shocking! He said, “Rape has happened there (in Mysuru), but the Congress was trying to rape me, they are trying to rape the Home Minister. They are trying to gain political mileage. It is an inhuman act that has occurred there [Mysuru]. But Congress is trying to rape the Home Minister here.” According to some news reports, he added that the police should immediately “book cases against Congressmen who were attempting to rape the Home Minister.”
The young woman, who is reported to be a 23-year-old MBA student hailing from Uttar Pradesh was allegedly gang raped, on August 25, near Chamundi foothills. On August 26, the minister ‘joked’ about the horrific assault and accused Congress of ‘politicising’ the incident. It was when there was outrage that he told the media that he meant it as a ‘joke’, and did not intend to ‘hurt anyone’ and reportedly withdrew his statement.
#Karnataka home minister Araga Jananedra has put his foot in his mouth. First he claimed @INCKarnataka is raping him instead of helping him do his job. Then he says victim shouldn’t have gone to that spot. pic.twitter.com/LZl5nvTvKM
— Imran Khan (@ImranTheJourno) August 26, 2021
However, rape is nothing to joke about, and blaming the survivor, is one of the most disgusting response to a horrific assault. It was media and public outrage that forced the state’s Home Minister to address a press conference on Thursday, apologise and withdraw his statements. He said the gang rape survivor was like “his daughter” adding, “I had no intention to hurt anybody and withdraw my statement. I have also withdrawn the statement made earlier by the Congress party leaders.”
However, the damage has been done, and a mere apology is not enough. Even Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai reportedly opposed the Home Minister’s statement, “I don’t agree with that statement made by the home minister, I have advised him against making such statements,” reported India Today. However, it is yet to be seen if the party or the CM take any action against the minister at all.
Attack took place near Chamundi foothills
According to media reports the survivor and her friend were assaulted and she was allegedly gangraped by a group of men near the Chamundi foothills on August 24 night. According to news reports the assault took place in “the wooded area near the helipad, in Alanahalli police station limits.” They were admitted to a private hospital around 1.30 A.M on August 25 stated media reports. An FIR has been filed at Alanahalli police station, however no arrests have been made so far. According to news reports, police said the “accused were drunk when they spotted the couple on an isolated route to Chamundi Hills. At first, they allegedly tried to rob the couple, but later took the woman to another spot and sexually assaulted her.”
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, told the media he had directed Director General of Police Praveen Sood to find the accused at the earliest, “A case has been registered. I have told the DGP that whoever has perpetrated this should be identified and stringent action should be taken against them.” Mysore police commissioner Dr Chandragupta has visited the spot and formed multiple teams to probe the case, stated news reports.
The National Commission for Women has now cognisance of the alleged gang rape. Chairperson Rekha Sharma has written to the Director General of Police in Karnataka for identifying, arresting all accused immediately, reported All India Radio. The Commission has also asked for providing medical and counseling support to the survivor.
♦️National Commission for Women @NCWIndia has taken cognizance of the Mysuru gang rape case. The Commission has written to @DgpKarnataka for identifying and arresting all the accused immediately. NCW has also asked for providing medical & counseling support to the survivor. pic.twitter.com/plJE5eNfVs
— PIB WCD (@PIBWCD) August 26, 2021
Related:
Maharashtra reports two caste-based crimes within 7 days!
Delhi: Women’s group calls upon media to cover the ire of Nangal villagers
Delhi Cantonment rape case: AIDWA demands action against police for alleged ‘silent complicity’