National women’s panel seeks report from DGP on Hubballi incident

New Delhi/Hubballi: The National Commission for Women (NCW) has issued a notice to the Karnataka Director General of Police (DGP) seeking an action taken report on an alleged incident from Hubballi, in which a viral video purportedly shows a woman being assaulted and her clothes torn during her arrest by police personnel.

Taking suo motu cognisance of the matter, the Commission has directed the state police to register an FIR and conduct a thorough probe. In a statement issued on Thursday, the NCW said its chairperson, Vijaya Rahatkar, strongly condemned the incident.

“Such conduct, if established, amounts to a grave violation of a woman’s dignity, personal liberty and her protection from gender-based violence,” the statement said.

The Commission has asked the DGP to ensure a fair, impartial and time-bound investigation, including examination of video evidence. It has also sought strict departmental and criminal action against erring officials if misconduct is found, besides ensuring medical aid, psychological support, rehabilitation and compensation to the victim as per law. An action taken report has been sought within five days.

The incident allegedly occurred during a police action linked to a dispute over a voter revision exercise in Hubballi. A video of the alleged assault and stripping of a BJP woman worker surfaced on Wednesday, triggering a political blame game between the BJP and the Congress.

BJP demands probe by sitting HC judge

Meanwhile, State BJP Mahila Morcha president C Manjula visited the woman’s family at Chalukya Nagar in Hubballi on Thursday and demanded a probe by a sitting High Court judge and the NCW.

She alleged police harassment and accused Congress corporator Suvarna Kallakuntla of “goondaism”. She also criticised the state government and questioned the role of the State Women’s Commission.

Corporator hospitalised

Meanwhile, Sujata’s brother Mariyadas lodged a complaint with Keshwapur police alleging that Suvarna Kallakuntla and eight others assaulted his family on January 2. When police attempted to detain the corporator, she collapsed and was admitted to KMCRI, where doctors said her condition was stable. Police Commissioner N Shashi Kumar has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into all related incidents between January 1 and 5.