A roadshow involving seven men accused in the January 2024 Hangal gang rape case, who were recently released on bail, has gone viral on social media, sparking deep outrage across the country. The video shows the accused being warmly welcomed by their supporters during the roadshow, which started from Haveri sub-jail and ended in Akki Alur town. The presence of five vehicles and over 20 supporters in the convoy has made this event even more controversial.
The accused have been identified as Aftab Chandanakatti, Madar Saab Mandakki, Samiwulla Lalanavar, Mohammad Sadiq Agasimani, Shoib Mulla, Tausif Choti, and Riyaz Savikeri. All of them were arrested in January 2024 on charges of gang-raping a woman in Hangal. However, after a long legal process of 17 months, they were released on bail because the victim failed to positively identify them in court. This decision has raised many questions about the legal process and the justice system.
The video of the roadshow quickly went viral on social media, showing the accused standing on top of cars, waving their hands, and being enthusiastically welcomed by their supporters. Upon seeing this video, many people questioned the justice system and said that releasing such serious crime accused on bail and then welcoming them in this manner sends a wrong message to society.
Many users expressed their anger on social media and criticized the Indian justice system. This incident has once again ignited a debate on the provisions and implementation of bail within the Indian legal system. Legal experts say that the purpose of bail is to not keep a person in custody until their crime is proven, but when the case is so serious, like gang rape, bail decisions should be made with greater caution. Many believe that in such cases, ensuring the safety of the victim and maintaining a climate of fear towards criminals in society is equally important.
Political parties have also reacted to this video of the roadshow. Opposition parties have targeted the state government, saying that the law and order situation is deteriorating and criminals are being openly supported.
This event has once again raised questions about crimes against women and society’s sensitivity towards them. Many social activists and organizations working for women’s rights have condemned this roadshow and demanded that the bail of the accused be canceled. They said that such actions boost the morale of criminals and reduce the hope of victims getting justice.
On social media, hashtags like #JusticeForHangal and #ShameOnIndianJudiciary started trending, clearly indicating how hurt and angry the public is about this incident. Many users have demanded that such cases be heard expeditiously and that victims receive justice in a timely manner.
This incident has once again forced us to think whether the Indian legal system and society are sending the right message to criminals. While on one hand, the law considers criminals innocent until their crime is proven, on the other hand, there is an increasing demand for zero tolerance towards such acts in society. This event raises serious questions not only about the legal process but also about social values and ethics.
