After Newsable report, CM assures action against NE student attacker

As Asianet Newsable reported, Higio Guntey was allegedly trashed by his landlord Guntey, a fourth-year student of Christ College, alleged he was beaten for using 'too much water'  Karnataka CM has now assured that the perpetrator will be arrested.   

As Asianet Newsable reported, Higio Guntey, a fourth-semester student in the Christ University, Bengaluru, was allegedly abused by his house owner on 6 March and was later beaten black and blue. The reason for all this is said to be that Guntey using extra water.

The story drew strong reactions across the country, including condemnations from Union Minister RIjjiju. For a while, however, it seemed like the alleged attacker, landlord Hemanth Kumar would not face large consequences, as he had already been granted anticipatory bail. 

However, as the story has escalated into national news, the chief minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah, has decided to step in and give assurances of justice. Via a tweet from his official account, the CM said - 

"Attack on student from Arunachal is shocking. Police has taken prompt action and the perpetrator has been arrested."

Interestingly, an arrest can be made and then overturned via bail or other legal means. The bigger question still remains - the story has become a national talking point, but is the Karnataka government going to address the systemic abuse and racism that North Eastern Indians face on a daily basis in the capital city of Bengaluru? 

The shocking story of the attack, which Guntey first shared with Asianet Newsable, said that his house owner verbally abused him for using extra water on Monday, 6 March. Two hours later, at 7 pm, the owner, who was drunk by then, is said to have barged through Guntey's door and started beating him up for almost an hour.

"After beating me black and blue, he still was not satisfied. He beat me again and forced me to put on his shoes and made me lick and kiss them. I had to oblige because I was bruised and was not in a position to take any more beatings. As if this was not enough, he kicked me out of the house. He even threw my trolley from the third floor. This is very humiliating, Guntey said"

“After the incident, I have left the house, and I am living with my friends in a different locality. I would have lodged a complaint on the same day, but I was injured. Besides, three Arunachal girl students are also staying the building. I fear their safety too” Guntey added.

The victim has now written a complaint and wants to approach the Deputy Commissioner of Police, and Nodal Officer, Boralingaiah seeking legal action against Hemanth Kumar, the house owner.

Mitching, Arunachal Pradesh Student Association President, who had admitted Guntey to the hospital on a fateful night, says that there were other North Eastern students were also verbally abused and beaten up by the owner. Had the neighbour not intervened, they would have suffered serious injuries, Mitching stated. 

"The parents were informed and they will arrive in Bengaluru in a day of two and will meet the authorities concerned and will push for action in this regard,"

DCP Boralingaiagh, who is yet to receive any official complaint in this regard says, the attack might have been caused due to a trivial reason, and it may not have any link with racial discrimination.

"I checked in two police stations on Bannerghatta Road and no complaint has been filed so far. We would appreciate if victims come forward and give details of the incident so that we can initiate action," he said.