Accused in Manipal gangrape will be tried in fast track court: Karnataka Home Minister KJ George

Assuring stringent action against those involved in the gangrape of a 22-year-old medical student in Manipal, Karnataka Home Minister KJ George on Sunday said the case would be tried in a fast track court to ensure "quick justice" to the victim.

"Strict action will be taken against the culprits who allegedly gangraped the girl. The accused will be tried in fast track court for their crime so as to give quick justice to the victim and her family," he told reporters here after meeting the victim and her family.

The student from Kerala was allegedly kidnapped in Manipal University campus late night on June 20 when she was returning to her room from the library and gangraped.

The victim suffered a fracture in her legs and injuries on her hands and neck.

George said he had taken stock of the situation at a meeting with higher officials, including the IGP. "The probe is in full swing and police have been given full freedom to nab the culprits at the earliest."

The Minister said he met the victim and spoke to her family to give them moral support. "I assured them all government support," he said.

George also said he held consultations with Manipal University MD Dr Ramdas Pai, the dean and other members of the University management. "We have instructed police to hold a transparent probe. Strict action will be taken against the culprits," he said.

On the increasing instances of crimes in the coastal region, he said, "I agree that crimes are increasing. Once this case is solved, we will enhance security here and depute more policemen."

Brushing aside allegations that police have not been given free hand to handle the case, George said unlike the previous BJP government, Congress government had given freedom to them.

Udupi SP Dr Boralingaiah said no arrests have been made so far in the case, but exuded confidence of catching the culprits soon as the police have got some leads.

They were looking out for an auto-driver, one of the three men involved in the incident, he said, adding that a meeting with the auto drivers' union had been convened to seek their cooperation.