NewsKarnataka-Mangalore

Mangalore : The delay in filing rape charges against the accused in the Derlakatte incident, reveals the political involvement in the case, alleged Mamatha Yadava, National Vice President of ABVP.

She was addressing a huge protest  meet organised by Jagritha Mahila Vedike  at the Nehru Maidan in Mangalore on January 9, Thursday  to condemn the Derlakatte kidnap, forced sex and blackmail incident  wherein two students were victimised.  Prior to the meeting, a huge protest rally was taken out from Ambedkar Circle to Nehru Maidan.

Continuing her speech, Mamatha Yadava questioned why such incidents were taking place even after the rape laws were amended  in the backdrop of the Delhi gang rape case. Women continue to live in fear, she said.

She demanded an explanation from the state government for remaining mum on the Derlakatte incident. She urged the government to take the case seriously and ensure that the guilty are subject to maximum  punishment.

Sadhwi Matanandamayi of Odiyoor Mutt, who also spoke, called upon women to be united and fight against such atrocities.

Ashwini, an ABVP member spoke on behalf of the student community. Dr SK Leela presided over the meeting.

Kamala Bhat, President of Rashtra Sevika Samithi who was also present, read out the demands placed forth by the meet. She said the  government must immediately invoke Goonda Act against the culprits in the Derlakatte case and that they should get 20 years jail term. She urged that the case be  heard in a fast track court and also demanded that a Special Task Force be formed under DC and SP to  ensure safety of women. Another demand was to set up police outposts in colleges having over 3000 students.

Nalin Kumar Kateel, MP,  Capt Ganesh Karnik, Monappa Bhandari, MLCs,, Padmanabha Kottari, former district BJP president, Kalladka Prabhaker Bhat, RSS leader, Mallika Prasad, former MLA, S Angara, Sullia MLA and several BJP leaders were present.