Hanagal gangrape case: 7 accused externed to Yadgir

HAVERI: The Savanur Sub-Divisional Magistrate has ordered the externment of seven accused in the Hanagal ganrape case to Yadgir district.

The accused, Aftab Chandanakatti, Madarsab Mandakki, Mohammad Sadiq Agasimani, Riaz Savikeri, Samiulla Lalanavar, Shoaib Mulla, and Tausif Ahmed Chauti, have been ordered to be externed.

The District Police Superintendent had filed a petition in the Savanur Sub-Divisional Magistrate’s court in June last year, seeking the externment of the accused. After hearing the case, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Shubham Shukla ordered the externment of the accused to Yadgir district for a year, citing the possibility of law and order problems.

The accused, Samiulla, must report to the Hungund police station in Yadgir daily and mark his attendance. He must inform the Hungund police station when he comes to attend court hearings for other cases. The AC has imposed conditions in the order that they should enter Haveri district only through Muddebihal, Hungund, Gadag, and Hubballi routes.

A case was registered on January 11, 2024, at the Hangal police station against seven accused, including Samiulla, for gangraping a woman near Akki Alur’s Nalkar Cross. The police had arrested the accused and conducted an investigation. Recently, the accused was released on bail.

When the accused were released, they were taken in an open jeep from the Haveri district jail to Akki Alur, celebrating and making a big noise, which became drew public attention. The police also alleged that the accused had threatened the witnesses in the case.

The accused have several charges against them, including teasing and kidnapping girls apart from inciting riots. Three cases have been registered against Samiullah. The police had complained that he was repeatedly involved in illegal activities and was corrupting young people. After investigating the matter, Savanur AC Shubham Shukla has sentenced the accused, Samiulla, to externment.