Former Karnataka CM Bommai speaks on Haveri moral policing incident

Dharwad: Former Karnataka chief minister Basavaraj Bommai on Sunday alleged that an attempt was made to hush up the Haveri incident with moral policing by offering money to the victim. The case pertains to a couple allegedly barging into a room of a lodge in Hangal in Haveri district of Karnataka and beating up a couple for the ‘crime’ of living together despite following different religions. . According to police, the woman later said that she was a victim of gang rape.

Haveri Superintendent of Police, Anshu Kumar, said, “After producing the victim before the magistrate, her statement has been recorded under section 164 of the CrPC.” According to Haveri Police, the victim has accused seven people in her statement, out of which three have already been arrested. Bommai told reporters here on Sunday that Haveri police offered money to the victims to bring closure to the Hangal incident. The government should form a special investigation team to investigate this incident.

He said, since Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will visit Haveri on Monday, the BJP is hopeful that he will make an announcement in this regard. Bommai alleged that after the local police got information about the BJP women’s delegation’s visit to Haveri, the victim was taken to Sirsi under the guise of investigation. “The Congress party has been doing this kind of politics and what else can be expected from them?” He asked. On Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s alleged U-turn on the Ram Temple issue, the BJP leader said that even though late, the Chief Minister has come to his senses. Bommai alleged, “He had Ram in his name. But Siddaramaiah ignored Lord Ram for power politics. “The party high command has refused. It seems the CM is trapped in confusion,” he said.