The Karnataka government is considering handing over the investigation into the Hubballi incident—where a woman was allegedly disrobed during police custody—to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Home Minister G Parameshwara said on Friday. The decision will be taken after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s approval.
The controversy erupted after a video went viral showing a BJP woman worker in a police vehicle in a partially unclothed state following her detention. While the BJP has accused the police of stripping the woman, the police have denied the allegation, claiming she removed her clothes herself, triggering a political confrontation between the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP.
Parameshwara said the CID would be asked to ascertain the truth and submit a report, following which the government would decide on further action. He maintained that preliminary information suggests the police did not force the woman to strip but stressed that a detailed probe is necessary for clarity.
Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women (NCW) took suo motu cognisance of the incident and sought an Action Taken Report within five days. The Commission termed the incident a serious violation of a woman’s dignity if proven and demanded a fair investigation, examination of video evidence, and strict action against erring officials.
The BJP welcomed the NCW’s intervention, with senior leaders demanding a judicial inquiry and accusing the Congress government of prejudging the case and failing to protect women’s safety.
