K’taka Court Acquits 40 In 2012 Mangaluru Homestay Attack Case

Mangaluru Sixth Additional District and Sessions Court acquitted 40 individuals accused in the 2012 Mangaluru homestay attack case. The court’s decision was based on a lack of sufficient evidence. The case initially involved 44 accused individuals. During the trial, three of the accused died, and the charges against a journalist were dropped by the government.

The attack occurred on July 28, 2012. Members of the Hindu Jagaran Vedike targeted a birthday party at the Morning Mist homestay near Padil, Mangaluru. The party was attended by young men and women. According to reports, the attackers believed the young people were engaging in inappropriate behavior after consuming alcohol.

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The police investigation led to a charge-sheet being filed against 44 people. The Mangaluru homestay attack allegedly involved Hindutva leader Subhash Padil. During the assault, members of the Hindu Jagaran Vedike were reported to have stripped women and assaulted at least 12 individuals.

Two video journalists were also arrested in connection with the case. In 2018, the government led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah withdrew the case against one journalist, leading to his acquittal.

The State Women’s Commission investigated the incident. They submitted a report to then Home Minister R. Ashoka. The report recommended a probe by a team led by a DIG-rank officer. This recommendation came in response to concerns about police failure and the nature of the attack.

The court’s recent ruling highlights the ongoing challenges in achieving justice in high-profile cases. The acquittal of 40 accused individuals underscores the difficulties faced in gathering adequate evidence for such complex cases.