Belagavi, 18 March

A widow was assaulted, including being stripped naked, by 15 relatives in Harlapur village, Savadatti taluk, Belagavi on Monday. The incident stems from a long-standing land dispute with her sister-in-law.
This event follows a similar incident in December 2022, where a woman was assaulted, stripped, paraded, and tied to an electric pole in Hosa Vantamuri village, also in Belagavi taluk, drawing national attention.
Belagavi Superintendent of Police (SP) Bhimashankar Guled confirmed the assault, stating that several individuals, including a female relative, have been apprehended. However, the cop emphasised that discrepancies in the victim's account necessitate a thorough investigation.

The victim, arriving at the police station in torn clothing, filed a formal complaint. Female constables provided her with clothing and subsequently a new saree. Following initial medical treatment at a government hospital, she was transferred to a hospital in Dharwad for further care.

The victim allegedly is attempting to claim 4 acres and 15 guntas of land registered in her sister-in-law's name. The dispute resulted in two prior First Information Reports (FIRs), one in June 2023 and the other in December 2023, filed by the sister-in-law, who currently cultivates the land. The victim allegedly attempted to obstruct the harvest.