Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Dec 3: The media and the police had taken care to see that the identity of the victim of a gang rape which happened at Thota Bengre here a few days back, is kept a secret but the visit by politicians to the residence of the victim revealed her identity. The people's representatives who visited the victim for political gain have apparently broken the rules relating to protecting privacy of the victim. 

As per law, names, institutions with which the concerned is attached, village, address, names of close relatives and any other details which enable people to identify the victim of rape and those rescued from brothels cannot be revealed. No documents that can help find out the victim can be published by the media. Even when the case is registered, details about the victim cannot be revealed publicly.  

In spite of strict rules being in place, MPs, Nalin Kumar Kateel and Shobha Karandlaje as well as Bantwal MLA, Rajesh Naik, visited the house of the victim to pledge solidarity with her. There is widespread resentment at this behaviour of the people's representatives who are expected to uphold laws and rules. 

The visiting dignitaries were unanimous in their condemnation of drugs abuse which is said to be primarily responsible for the said incident. The people expect the agencies concerned including the police to take on this menace in all seriousness at least now.