Investigation by police officials into the alleged “moral policing” and gang rape incident in Hanagal in Haveri district has revealed that some of the accused were involved in a similar offence in Haveri district a month ago.
District police are in possession of an earlier video clip in which two of the accused in the Hanagal case - Aftab Maqbul Ahmed Chandanakatti and Madarasab Mohammad Isak Mandakki - are clearly visible. The duo, along with some other youth, are seen harassing a Muslim girl. They repeatedly threaten to expose her “misdeeds” before her family, even as she pleads innocence.
A senior police officer said that the investigators were looking into the history of all the accused. “We have some definite information about the accused that may lead us to strengthening the case against the arrested and to catch hold of the other accused,’‘ the officer said. SP Anshu Kumar said that “moral policing” would not be tolerated and that the accused would be brought to justice. He said police beat would be increased in sensitive areas.
