India, May 23 -- A motorcade of bikes and cars, blaring music and cheers, rolled through the streets of Akki Alur in Karnataka's Haveri district this week, not for a wedding or festival, but to welcome back seven men accused in a brutal gang-rape case.

The accused, recently released on bail, were seen waving and flashing victory signs as supporters celebrated their return with pomp. The viral video of this procession has triggered widespread condemnation and outrage.

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The case traces back to January 8, 2024, when a 26-year-old woman was allegedly abducted from a hotel in Hanagal, where she had checked in with her long-term partner, a 40-year-old Karnataka State Road Tr...