Rape victim files petition in Karnataka HC seeking transfer of her case to another court

Rape victim files petition in Karnataka HC seeking transfer of her case to another court

A well-known singer, who has accused Sri Raghaveshwara Bharathi Swami, seer of the Ramachandrapura Mutt, of raping her, has filed a petition in the High Court of Karnataka, seeking transfer of her case to another court. The matter is being heard by the Additional Sessions Court (CCH-54) in Bengaluru. In her petition, the singer alleged that the court was unfair towards her after the judge remarked that he would not permit the seer to undergo medical tests as directed by the police. She also claimed that cases of atrocities on women should be tried by a woman presiding officer as far as possible.

But her cases were being heard only by male presiding officers of the court. In June 2014, a renowned singer attached to the Ramachandrapura Mutt accused the seer of repeatedly raping her. Though the CID police filed a charge-sheet against the seer, the case is getting dragged because of various reasons. Last year, another woman, who studied at the Mutt's institute, also accused the seer of raping her. :