A disturbing incident of sexual harassment against a Dalit woman has come to light in Karnataka's Bagalkot district, prompting a major police investigation. The case, which occurred on January 5, has led to the identification of dozens of potential suspects.
Details of the Sangam Cross Incident
The victim, a 40-year-old Dalit divorcee who is reported to be mentally ill, was allegedly sexually harassed by a group of men at Sangam Cross in Bagalkot district. According to her brother, the woman was wandering in the area when the assault took place. She was later found abandoned near the national highway at the same location.
Some alert passers-by noticed her condition and immediately informed the police. "She was found thrown near the national highway at Sangam Cross. Some passers-by alerted police, and later we were informed by police," the victim's brother told reporters. He strongly demanded that the police arrest the miscreants immediately.
Police Investigation and Medical Care
The Hunagund police have registered a case based on the complaint. Officials confirmed that the woman was sexually harassed and stated that they are investigating whether she was raped. Following the incident, she received initial medical treatment at the taluk hospital in Hunagund. Considering the severity of her condition, she was later referred to the district hospital in Bagalkot for further care and examination.
Massive Suspect List from CCTV Footage
In a significant development, Bagalkot SP Siddarth Goyal revealed that the police have scoured available CCTV footage from the area. Based on this video evidence, the authorities have prepared a list of 72 suspects for questioning. This indicates the scale of the probe and the potential number of individuals involved in or present during the crime.
SP Goyal assured the public and the victim's family that the police are committed to solving the case swiftly. "We will nab the accused soon," he asserted, highlighting the department's focus on the investigation. The case has underscored concerns about the safety of vulnerable women, particularly those from marginalized communities and those with mental health challenges.
