Belgaum bandh against rape and murder evokes good response

Belgaum, Aug 31 (UNI) The Belgaum bandh called by women's' organisations in protest against the rape and murder of a 28-year-old Sheetal on August 13, evoked good response in the city today.

Various women organisations had called for the bandh in protest against the rape and murder of the woman by Pravin Shintre gang.

While four persons, including the husband of the woman who had given 'supari' to kill his wife is in police custody, the kingpin and another person of the gang were at large.

Most of the shops, business establishments and schools remained closed during the day. Public transport was out of the road till evening. Attendance in banks and government offices was affected, police said.

The rally started from Bogarves, Kirloskar Road, Maruti Galli, Ganapati galli and ended at Samadevi Chouk.

The gang was alleged to have committed four other murders, including a rape of another woman, during the last 18 months.

Pramila Nesargi, President of State Women's' Commission addressed the gathering of around 5000-6000 people said these gangsters had political connections.

Later speaking to media she said the cases under Goonda Act against Pravin, a local political leader, had been withdrawn in 2005. Out of 38 cases against Pravin and his gang for extortion, drug peddling, illicit liquor, he has already been acquitted in 30 cases, she alleged.

UNI