Mangalore: Outrage over Attack on Girls - Issue Gains National Attention
Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore
Mangalore, Jan 25: The inhuman attack on young girls allegedly by Srirama Sene and Bajaranga Dal activists, though not seriously taken by the local authorities yet, has now gained national attention.
Usually only major issues like communal disturbances and international events were seen on the national television channels. But Saturday's attack is now being highlighted on national television.
At least three national TV channels contacted Daijiworld office on Sunday requesting to share exclusive video footage taken by the daijiworld videographer. Other national print media also requested permission from daijiworld to provide them with exclusive 'action' pictures published on daijiworld.
Times Now ,one of the leading News Channels says in its report that at least two women have been hospitalized and are undergoing treatment. Ten suspected activists of Sri Ram Sene have been taken into custody on charges of assaulting customers of a pub in the busy Balmatta Road in the heart of the city. IGP (Western Range) A M Prasad said the attackers alleged that the pub owner was allowing the boys and girls to dance in an "obscene manner". No damage has been caused to the pub in the incident, he added.
On the other hand, The Sri Rama Sene and the Bajarang Dal have also separately claimed responsibility for the attack. Prasad Attavar, State Deputy Convener of the Sri Ram Sena said that it was a spontaneous reaction against women, who flouted traditional Indian norms of decency.
According to Times Now News Channel, on Saturday evening at around 4 pm, two people approached the front desk of the pub and requested permission to enter the premises. They said that they wanted to see what was going on inside.
Soon, nearly 40 people barged into the pub and targeted a group of five women, who had placed a lunch order. Subsequently, another group attacked three other women in the pub.
Apart from media, women's rights advocacy groups have demanded immediate action against the attackers.
Reacting angrily to this horrifying incident, Women's Rights activist Madhu Kishwar said that the attackers have good political links and are a part of extortionist gang. She went on to add, "The attack is an attempt to spread terror amongst restaurant owners in the city. They cannot just keep expressing their anger over Americanized lifestyle in this manner."
Ranjana Kumar, another Women's Rights activist condemned the attack and strongly said that the men involved in this attack should be charged for assaulting women. She said, "This is an outrageous and a horrible incident. No one has the right to infringe on other's freedom. Such kind of acts is absolutely unacceptable. Those responsible should be immediately arrested and strict action should be taken against them."
"Because these kinds of attackers are let off scot free, such attacks continue all across the country. I don't think these people had any business to get involved in others lives," added the activist.
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