Man and woman beaten up in Hangal in suspected case of moral policing

According to the first information report, the accused forcefully entered a room in Idigas lodge near Nalkara Cross near Hangal on January 8 afternoon

Police officers in Hangal in Haveri district of Karnataka have registered a case against five persons on charges of trespass into a private lodge and beating up a man and woman, accusing them of being an inter-faith couple.

The alleged offence occurred on January 8. The case was registered on January 10.

According to the first information report, the accused forcefully entered a room in Idigas lodge near Nalkara Cross near Hangal on January 8 afternoon. They pulled out the man and woman who were in the room. They accused the couple of maintaining an inter-faith relationship. They allegedly abused the couple, tore the woman’s clothes, pushed her around and assaulted her. They allegedly slapped and kicked the man. They allegedly threatened to kill the couple.

The couple are from a neighbouring district, and are about 30-40 years old.

The accused are Aftab Makabul Ahmed Chandankatti, 24, garage worker, Madarsab Mohammad Isak Mandakki, 23, and Samiulla Lalanavar. Two other accused are yet to be identified. They face charges under IPC relating to trespass, unlawful assembly and rioting, criminal intimidation, causing hurt, and assault or criminal force against woman, with the intention to outrage their modesty.

All the accused are from Akki Alur in Haveri district