NCW Takes Suo Motu Cognisance of Hubballi Viral Video
In a statement posted on X, the NCW said its Chairperson, Vijaya Rahatkar, observed that such conduct, if established, would amount to a grave violation of a woman’s dignity, personal liberty and her right to protection from gender-based violence.
Hubballi: The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognisance of a viral video from Hubballi that allegedly shows a woman party worker being assaulted and her clothes torn during her arrest by police personnel.
In a statement posted on X, the NCW said its Chairperson, Vijaya Rahatkar, observed that such conduct, if established, would amount to a grave violation of a woman’s dignity, personal liberty and her right to protection from gender-based violence.
The Commission has written to the Director General of Police (DGP), Karnataka, directing that an FIR be registered, if not already done, and that a fair, impartial and time-bound investigation be conducted, including examination of the video footage. It has also called for strict departmental and criminal action against erring officials if misconduct is found.
Further, the NCW has sought to ensure that the victim is provided medical aid, psychological support, rehabilitation and compensation as per law, and has asked for a detailed Action Taken Report (ATR) within five days.
Meanwhile, BJP Mahila Morcha state president P Manjula on Thursday met the family members of the woman BJP worker. Speaking to reporters, Manjula described the incident as police harassment of a helpless woman and alleged Congress-backed hooliganism. She said the matter had been reported to the NCW seeking its intervention.
Manjula also expressed strong displeasure over statements made by the police, later echoed by ministers and the Chief Minister, claiming that the woman had removed her clothes herself.