In a shocking violation of privacy and legal provisions, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Sunday, March 9, blurted out the identities of two women who were raped in Koppal district. Disclosing the identity of an adult survivor of sexual assault without written permission is a punishable offense under Indian law.
Speaking to reporters outside his residence in Bengaluru, Parameshwara casually mentioned the names of the survivors while talking about the horrific crime. Some news channels, including TV9 Kannada, aired the video unedited, where the minister can be clearly heard naming both survivors multiple times.
On March 6, three men attacked a group of five who were reportedly out star gazing on the Left bank of the Tungabhadra canal in Koppal district. Among the victims were an American national, two Indian men, an Israeli woman, and an Indian homestay owner. The attackers pushed the men into the canal, leading to the drowning of Bibhash, a man from Odisha. The two women were brutally assaulted and raped. Police have arrested two men in connection with the crime and are searching for a third suspect.
Revealing the names of adult survivors of sexual assault is not permitted under Indian law except with their written consent and in case the woman has died, the written permission from their next of kin. Names of minor victims of sexual assault is not permitted by law.
Parameshwara said that the police are helping the foreign nationals to contact their embassies for any help they might need. He said that the government was working towards increasing safety at tourist spots.