Karnataka: Australian tourist thrashed for allegedly misbehaving with women
On Tuesday, an Australian national was thrashed by a group of locals in Kondanakoppa village of Bagalkot district, Karnataka, for allegedly misbehaving with women, in an inebriated state. William K James, a resident of Melbourne, who is in his mid-thirties, was subsequently admitted to a private hospital, where doctors confirmed that he had alcohol in his body. Here are more details.
Villagers tied James to an electric post, beat him
Reportedly, the incident took place when James was on his way from Badami to Bagalkot, in a bus. He got off at a village in between, and allegedly misbehaved with some women, which possibly led to the said clash. Following this, the villagers allegedly tied James to an electric post, and brutally assaulted him. He is now out of danger, according to the police.
The investigation is currently underway in the matter
"The tourist was alone and had taken a bus ticket to travel from Badami to Bagalkot. We're trying to determine why he got down from the bus and was found in an interior village," District Superintendent of Police (Bagalkot), Lokesh Jagalasar told The News Minute. "The residents in the village alleged that he misbehaved with women, and in response, attacked him," he added.
An FIR has been registered at the Kerur Police Station
Following the incident, an FIR has been lodged against unidentified villagers, under Sections 321 (voluntarily causing hurt) and 322 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt) at Kerur Police Station. Meanwhile, the Australian embassy has been informed about the incident. Although no arrests have been made in the matter yet, investigation is underway. Notably, Badami is a popular tourist attractions, known for its ancient temples and caves.
