Premature to hand over Udupi voyeurism case to SIT: Karnataka CM
The Hindu
Karnataka CM Siddramaiah said National Commission of Women member Khushboo Sunder has already dismissed as rumours the report that hidden cameras were used to capture images of students in the washroom of the paramedical college.
The alleged voyeurism incident in Udupi involving three paramedical students is being investigated by officer of the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP). It is premature to hand over the case to a Special Investigation Team, said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in Mangaluru on August 1.
Talking to reporters at Mangaluru International Airport, Mr. Siddaramaiah said the State Government has considered the alleged incident seriously, and hence, an officer of the rank of DySP has been made the investigation officer. On the remark by Home Minister G. Parameshwara that the Udupi incident is child’s play, Mr. Siddaramaiah said the Minister might be referring to the conduct of the three girls.
“Appointing a DySP as an investigation officer shows the seriousness attached to the case. Let the DySP investigate,” he said.
Mr. Siddramaiah said a member of the National Commission of Women Khushboo Sunder has already dismissed as rumours the report that hidden cameras were used to capture images of students in the washroom of the paramedical college.
Referring to increasing incidents of moral policing in Dakshina Kannnada, he said that there is no question of showing leniency to the accused and tough action will be taken against them. “We will not allow anybody to take law into their hands,” he said.
Parents and family members of 17-year-old Soujanya, who was raped and murdered in Belthangady in 2012, have sought re-investigation of the case. “We will take legally permissible action,” he said and added, “As an advocate, I feel an appeal should be filed against the lower court (Special Children’s Court), which acquitted the lone accused.”
He refused to comment on the observation by the Special Court that action should be taken against officers who have erred in properly investigating the case.
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