Accused in Manipal gang-rape will be tried in FTC: Minister

Assuring stringent action against those involved in the gang-rape of a 22-year-old medical student in Manipal, Karnataka Home Minister KJ George said the case would be tried in a fast track court.

Udupi: Assuring stringent action against those involved in the gang-rape of a 22-year-old medical student in Manipal, Karnataka Home Minister KJ George on Sunday said the case would be tried in a fast track court to ensure "quick justice" to the victim.

"Strict action will be taken against the culprits who allegedly gang-raped the girl. The accused will be tried in fast track court for their crime so as to give quick justice to the victim and her family," he told reporters here after meeting the victim and her family. The student from Kerala was allegedly kidnapped in Manipal University campus late night on June 20 when she was returning to her room from the library and gang-raped. The victim suffered a fracture in her legs and injuries on her hands and neck. George said he had taken stock of the situation at a meeting with higher officials, including the IGP. "The probe is in full swing and police have been given full freedom to nab the culprits at the earliest." The Minister said he met the victim and spoke to her family to give them moral support. "I assured them all government support," he said. George also said he held consultations with Manipal University MD Dr Ramdas Pai, the dean and other members of the University management. "We have instructed police to hold a transparent probe. Strict action will be taken against the culprits," he said. On the increasing instances of crimes in the coastal region, he said, "I agree that crimes are increasing. Once this case is solved, we will enhance security here and depute more policemen." Brushing aside allegations that police have not been given free hand to handle the case, George said unlike the previous BJP government, Congress government had given freedom to them. Udupi SP Dr Boralingaiah said no arrests have been made so far in the case, but exuded confidence of catching the culprits soon as the police have got some leads. They were looking out for an auto-driver, one of the three men involved in the incident, he said, adding that a meeting with the auto drivers` union had been convened to seek their cooperation. George said some of the private establishments were unwilling to cooperate by refusing to install CCTVs and security personnel in their premises. Boralinagaiah said, "We have asked the government to deploy more policemen as there is a shortage here." The Chief Minister had assured to complete the process in next two-three years. IGP Pratap Reddy said two security men had been present at the university at the time of the incident, but the information obtained from them had not been of much help. District in-charge minister Vinaykumar Sorake said, "The incident is definitely condemnable. We are coordinating with the police and I am confident that the case will be solved soon." Politicians cutting across party lines have condemned the incident and demands for immediate arrest and punishment of culprits have been fast gaining momentum from various quarters. Kerala government has contacted Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and asked for a thorough probe into the incident, as the girl hails from that state. PTI