HC seeks status report on rape cases

The High Court of Karnataka on Wednesday directed the State government to submit within two weeks, a status report on the rape cases in the State.

“Police often take sides with the guilty. I do not understand why the police have to be on the side of villains. Our leaders themselves show disrespect towards women by making insensitive statements about women.

They have not been setting the right example,” Chief Justice Vikramajit Sen said. The Court was hearing a public interest litigation filed by M K Vijaykumar seeking a probe into a series of rape cases reported in the State. The Chief Justice further said the Indian movies, which commodify women, have failed to set an example.

The Court directed the police to give protection to the family of a rape victim facing threat to life after lodging a police complaint. Abdul (name changed), father of a 13-year-old girl who was sexually assaulted two months ago, was stabbed by four men days after he lodged a complaint with the police.

Abdul has reportedly been repeatedly attacked and has received threats to his life. The Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Vikramajit Sen Sen and Justice B V Nagarathna directed the police to ensure protection to the victim and her family.

Treatment for Madani

The State government has submitted before the High Court that it has no objections to shift Abdul Nasser Madani to any hospital of his choice as long as he bears the expenditure. Madani is the prime accused in the Bangalore serial blasts of 2008.

The government submitted that considering the health problems of Madani, he could be allowed hospitalisation provided it does not have to spend any money on his treatment. The Court has reserved the order.

Last month, the State government had sought time to file its objections to the bail plea moved by Madani. His claim is that he has poor vision and ever since his arrest he has not been given proper medical treatment. The Supreme Court, while rejecting bail for Madani, had directed the State government to provide him treatment.