In the proceedings of a suo moto case regarding the brutal treatment of a woman—reportedly assaulted, stripped, and tethered to an electricity pole in Belgavi after her son eloped with a girl—the Karnataka High Court strongly criticized the state police for their inability to prevent the harrowing incident.

In essence, the girl was set to be engaged on December 11, but she eloped with a boy from the same village—the victim's son—on the night of December 10. Subsequently, relatives of the girl stormed the boy's residence, vandalized it, and assaulted his mother. The High Court acknowledged and acted upon this distressing incident on Tuesday, December 12.

During today's hearing, the Court compared the incident with Mahabharata era, emphasizing that while Draupadi received aid from Lord Sri Krishna, in the contemporary world, no assistance was extended to the affected woman. The Court expressed orally that is a world of Duryodhans and Dushasans.

In reference to the harrowing incident where the victim suffered severe trauma, enduring being tied to a pole and brutally beaten for an extended period of two hours, the Court expressed that she was "left at the mercy of those animals (accused)." The Court strongly condemned the incident, emphasizing that the accused, due to the severity and disgracefulness of their actions, should not be considered as human beings.

Additionally, the court strongly criticized the state government's management of the case and ordered the Commissioner of Police to appear before the Court with a detailed status report regarding the ongoing investigation. The Court also inquired about the victim's health condition, urging the state to ensure she receives proper care in a reputable hospital and counseling support.

The Court noted that while young individuals might make mistakes at times, it questioned why the mother (victim) was being punished for them. In a rhetorical inquiry, the Court asked the Attorney General whether the prevailing situation represented advancement into the 21st century or a regression back to the values of the 17th century.

The Court cited the example of the late Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, who resigned from the position of Railway Minister when a railway accident occurred during his tenure. The Court highlighted that Shastri did not justify himself by claiming that he was merely the minister and not directly responsible for the accident.

The Court in the said matter mandated the state government to ensure that the victim receives the benefits entitled under the Victim Compensation Scheme, emphasizing that this might offer some solace to her. Additionally, the Court requested an updated status report and scheduled the matter for further proceedings on Monday.