Karnataka   

Rape victim left in lurch

HASSAN: The poor family of Thimmaiah will never forget January 3. The family, which lives at Honnashetty Halli in Arsikere taluk, was jolted when its 13-year-old niece, who was waiting for a bus at Arsikere bus stand along with her 15-year-old friend, was dragged by a police constable and allegedly raped.

Hearing her screams, passers-by caught the culprit and handed him over to the police.

The policeman was arrested and has been remanded in judicial custody. The victim was admitted in the Government hospital in Arsikere and has now returned home. The trial will start soon and the accused may be punished. But will this provide solace to the girl?

The girl’s mother died a few years ago. Her aunt and uncle are taking care of her. The victim’s father Thippesh deserted the family after the death of his wife. The family belongs to Bhovi community (Scheduled Caste). Even eight days after the assault on the girl, politicians or activists are yet to call on the family. The former MLA A.S. Basavaraj told The Hindu that he had written to the Governor requesting for proper investigation of the case.

Hosever, even he is yet to visit the victim at her village.

The family, which depends on the daily wages of Thimmaiah and Lakshmamma, is in dire straits. The girl is in a trauma. Her guardians are not in a position to relocate and the unschooled victim needs counselling to come out of the trauma.

Although several women’s self-help groups are active in Arsikere, not one has found time to offer solace to the girl and help her regain self-confidence.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Firm urged to withdraw advertisement on cigarette
Sangha demands probe into deaths
Rape victim left in lurch
Five new PG courses likely next year
Governor presents State Youth Awards
Tribal people oppose formation of Critical Wildlife Habitats
Workshop conducted for Pourakarmikas
Madilu scheme for BPL families in Chamarajanagar
‘Present separate budget for agriculture’
‘Emulate Vivekananda’
Electoral revision begins in Chikmagalur
Women seek action against shop owner
Screening of ‘Gandhi My Father’ inManipal

Copyright © 2008, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu