HAVERI: Seven men accused in a gang-rape case in Karnataka’s Haveri district were greeted with celebratory processions by their supporters following their release from jail this week, drawing widespread outrage over what many described as a “hero’s welcome” for the accused.The men, accused of the gang-rape of a 26-year-old woman in January 2024, had been in judicial custody for over 17 months before securing bail from the Haveri sessions court on Tuesday.Procession sparks outrageFollowing their release from Haveri sub-jail, the accused were taken in a motorcade to Akki Alur town. Videos of the procession, featuring motorcycles, cars, slogans and the accused flashing victory signs, have since gone viral on social media.

The accused were identified as Aftab Chandanakatti, Madar Saab Mandakki, Samiwulla Lalanavar, Mohammad Sadiq Agasimani, Shoib Mulla, Tausip Choti, and Riyaz Savikeri.The celebrations triggered public concern and condemnation, particularly from legal experts and women’s rights groups, who noted that such behaviour may have violated the bail conditions.Police action and legal consequencesHaveri Superintendent of Police Anshu Kumar Srivastava confirmed that an FIR has been registered against the accused for unlawful assembly and rash driving in connection with the celebratory procession. “We will open a rowdy-sheet against these accused and will appeal to the court for cancellation of their bail,” Mr Srivastava said.Survivor’s statement and investigationThe case initially emerged as a moral policing incident involving an interfaith couple at a private lodge in Hangal. However, it was reclassified as gang-rape after the woman told police that she had been dragged into a nearby forest and assaulted by seven men.She reiterated the same account before a magistrate under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code, and later identified the accused during an official identification parade conducted in the presence of the Hangal tahsildar.The survivor had also spoken to the media in 2024, confirming the identities of her alleged assailants. However, during court proceedings this year, she reportedly retracted or failed to uphold her previous testimony, a move the public prosecutor said ultimately led to the bail being granted.Charges and evidenceThe police investigation — led by then Additional SP C Gopal — included statements from about 80 witnesses, including forensic experts, doctors, and staff at the private lodge. The chargesheet spanned over 1,000 pages, supported by physical evidence such as DNA samples, hair strands, bloodstains, clothing items, CCTV footage, and more.A total of 19 individuals were arrested in connection with the case — seven as primary accused in the gang-rape and 12 others accused of facilitating the crime or physically assaulting the survivor. The latter group had been granted bail roughly 10 months ago.Backlash and next stepsThe public celebrations have reignited concerns about victim safety, witness protection, and accountability in high-profile sexual assault cases. Activists are urging judicial scrutiny of how the bail was granted and calling for support mechanisms for survivors who may face pressure or threats to alter testimony.The Karnataka Police say they are pursuing all legal avenues to hold the accused accountable for post-bail conduct and will request the court to reconsider its decision in light of the events following the release.(The victim’s identity has not been revealed to protect her privacy as per Supreme Court directives on cases related to sexual assault)