Manipal gang-rape: Students observe bandh, demand stricter laws
Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Udupi, Jun 24: In reponse to the call given by ABVP, students from colleges across Udupi observed a bandh on Monday June 24 and assembled at Clock Tower here to voice their anger against the recent gang-rape case in Manipal.
The protestors, who gathered in hundreds, warned that if the culprits are not caught soon, the protest will be intensified and a district-level call for bandh will be given.
"The government only speaks of providing protection to women but it has not done anything in this regard. Because of this the accused, even if they are caught, are given bail easily and it takes years for justice to prevail. The law should hence be changed and made stringent," they said.
"Crimes against women should be tried in the fast track courts so that justice is done in the quickest time possible," they added.
"The laws should be made tighter so that culprits do not escape, otherwise, crimes like these will keep happening over and over again," they said.
One of the protestors alleged that a minister had interefered and had got the persons held by police released. He said that a dharna will be held outside the minister's house.
The protestors marched in procession to the SP office and handed over a memorandum urging quick action in the case.
A 22-year-old medical student of Manipal University was allegedly kidnapped and gang-raped by three men on the night of Thursday June 20. The culprits are still at large, while the girl is recuperating in hospital.
SP Dr Boralingaiah has called for a press meet later in the afternoon. Sources said that the names and sketches of the accused will be released to the media. It is learnt that the four persons who were taken for questioning earlier have been released.
Watch Video