Homestay attack: 'Girl victims should file complaints'

Mangalore, August 5: The girl victims of the homestay attacks should come out and file complaints under section 354 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), said Asha Nayak, advocate.

She was briefing about the actions that need to be taken to bring the perpetrators of homestay attack and avoid of a repeat of such attacks, at a session organized by Arise Mangalore in the city on Sunday.

Section 354 of IPC demands that the victim file a molestation complaint, Ms. Nayak said. Stating that although she feels there is a need to bring about a change in this law, Ms. Nayak said that if even one girl victim of the attack comes forward and files a complaint, it can help immensely in bringing the perpetrators of the assault to book.

Sharing her experiences of dealing with police cases in the past, Ms. Nayak said that at times the police do not accept complaints. In such circumstances, under section 200 of the CRPC, written complaints can be given to judicial magistrate, she said.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. N Vinay Hegde, Chancellor, Nitte University, said that the goons who attacked students at the homestay enjoyed political patronage. The incident has got to do more with rowdism rather than religion, he said. Dr. Hegde also vouched for the freedom of students and youngsters in Mangalore, stating that a large number of girls and boys in the city work hard and late and have every right to recreation. He called upon the gathering to not forget the incident warning that if not taken seriously such an attack could take place on them and their children too in the future.

Latha R Kini, former President, Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) said that Mangaloreans are better off without the intelligent people tag if it means remaining insensitive and calm even in response to attacks such as these. Mangalore has a huge potential economically and educationally and it should not allow throwing it away for nothing, she said. Questioning the patriotism of the assaulters in the homestay, Ms. Kini doubted that they pay taxes, which is one of the nation-building activities and their contribution to the society.

Dr. C P Habib Rehman, Chairman, Unity Health Complex, said that one needs to repect other faiths if he wants his faith and culture to be respected. The attack on women at the homestay was shameful, he said.

Naren Koduvattat, MD, i-Point Consulting Services, said that entreprenership is about having an environment of growth and safety. Mangalore's best chance of growing economically is through the knowledge sector, he said and expressed confidence that if local participation pushes one step further, Mangalore can stand tall in spite of such attacks to attract people from other places and grow as a city.

Walter D'Souza, Chairman, Federation of Indian Export Organization (FIEO), said that the saffron forces would not have dared to carry out such an attack had strict action been taken during the Church attacks itself. Stating that the homestay attack culprits were not protectors of Hindu culture, Mr. D'Souza said that in Ramayana, although Ravana had kidnapped Sita, he had not touched her while she was in his custody.

Medha, a KMC student, sharing her thoughts with the gathering said that no one has the right to tell students how they need to live their lives.

William Pais, Vijay Vittalanath Shetty, Yatish Baikampady also spoke and gave suggestions to see that such attacks are not repeated in the future.

A signature campaign was carried out and memorandums to the Chief Minister and Governor of Karnataka would be sent, said Dr. Ajay Kamath, who coordinated the event.