Woman disrobed, tied to pole in Belagavi village: Seven arrested, Two on the run

Belagavi: In a shocking incident that unfolded in Vantamuri Village of Belagavi Taluk, a woman was disrobed and tied to a pole by a group during the early hours of Monday.

Swift Police action resulted in the arrest of seven individuals, with a manhunt underway for two others.

According to sources, a 24-year-old man and an 18-year-old woman, belonging to the same community in the village, had eloped from their homes around 12.30 am.

Outraged by their disappearance, the girl's relatives reportedly vandalized the house of the young man and allegedly disrobed his mother, tying her to a pole in the village. The incident occurred around 3.30 am. Police were alerted to the situation and by 4 am they rushed to the spot.

"Nine people were allegedly involved in this. While 7 accused have already been arrested, the search is ongoing for two more," City Police Commissioner SN Sidramappa told reporters.

In response to the situation, the Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) has been deployed, and an additional police team, including an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), two Police Sub-Inspectors (PSI), and 25 men, are on-site to maintain order.

No further incidents have been reported after the police intervention.

The whereabouts of the eloped couple remain unknown, and efforts are underway by the police to track them down. Meanwhile, the victim is currently undergoing treatment.

A case is being registered at the Kakti police station under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including 354(B) (assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to disrobe) and attempt to murder.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, present in Belagavi for the session, assured reporters that strict action would be taken against the accused.