All accused in infamous Mangaluru ’homestay attack’ acquitted

All accused in infamous Mangaluru ’homestay attack’ acquitted

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, August 6, 2024: The Sixth Additional District and Sessions Court in Mangaluru acquitted all 39 accused in the ’homestay attack’ case, citing lack of evidence. This incident gained national attention when videos of the accused assaulting male and female students were broadcast on news channels.

The incident occurred on July 28, 2012, when 13 college students gathered for a birthday party at the Morning Mist homestay near Padil Junction. Around 6 PM, 40 right-wing activists, led by Subhash and accompanied by three video journalists, stormed the homestay.

The city police arrested 44 individuals, including journalists Naveen Soorinje and Sharan Raj, and filed charges against them. Soorinje was acquitted in January 2018. Three accused have died, and a minor was acquitted by the Juvenile Justice Board.

The Hindu Jagrana Vedike activists were accused of assaulting the youths, tearing the clothes of some girls, and misbehaving. Victims claimed they were forced into compromising situations, photographed, and filmed, causing mental trauma. Two victims were daughters of a police officer.

Despite testimonies from two victims, the court acquitted all accused due to insufficient evidence. Advocates Shambhu Sharma, Kishore Kumar, and others represented the accused.