NHRC notice to the Government of Karnataka over the reported incident of stripping and beating of a woman in Belagavi district

Press Release

National Human Rights Commission

New Delhi, 15th December, 2023

NHRC notice to the Government of Karnataka over the reported incident of stripping and beating of a woman in Belagavi district

Seeks report within four weeks

Also decides to send its team for a spot enquiry

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report, carried on 12th December, 2023, that a 42-year-old woman was stripped, paraded naked, tied to an electric pole and assaulted at Hosa Vantamuri village, Belagavi district, Karnataka after her son eloped with a girl from the same village.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of the human rights of the victim woman. The purported act, as reported, seems to have a stereotyped patriarchal approach, which is a clear demonstration of the violation of the right to life and dignity of the victim. It is the duty of the State to safeguard vulnerable sections of the society, especially women, children, elderly persons and people.

Accordingly, the Commission notices to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police of the Government of Karnataka, seeking a detailed report within four weeks. It should include the status of the registration of FIR, progress in investigation, arrest, if any, compensation under the Victim Compensation Scheme, if paid and the steps taken or to be taken to prevent such incidents in the State.

Considering the gravity of the matter, the Commission has also asked its DIG, Investigation to constitute a team to conduct an on-the-spot fact-finding enquiry at the earliest and submit a report, within two weeks.

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