Belagavi: Three more people have been arrested in connection with the Belagavi stripping incident in Karnataka. So far police have made 11 arrests whereas a hunt is on to trace two accused, including a minor. The arrested accused have been identified as Lakkappa Naik, Lakkavva Naik and Shobha Naik. 

Inspector incharge Vijay Kumar Sinnur has also been suspended for dereliction of duty. The Karnataka police department had constituted an inquiry team to probe the matter, and came up with a conclusion that one of the reasons behind the incident was negligence shown by inspector Sinnur.

According to police, a total of 12 accused are named in the FIR, another accused was added later. 

Massive uproar across Karnataka

The incident has triggered massive uproar across the southern state, with the BJP announcing a statewide protest on Saturday.

In order to conduct additional research and obtain primary sources of information, BJP National President JP Nadda has formed a five-person fact-finding committee. Prominent BJP MPs Apratita Sarangi, Sunita Duggal, Locket Chatterjee, Ranjeeta Koli, and Asha Lakra made up the committee. 

Earlier, the five-member BJP fact-finding team, comprising Aparajita Sarangi, Sunita Duggal, Ranjeeta Koli, Locket Chatterjee and BJP national secretary Asha Lakra, met with the victim's family on Saturday.

State deputy chief minister had said on Friday that none of those involved in the incident will be shielded. "Our government swung into action immediately after learning of the incident. We have arrested all the culprits. The law will take its course and there's no question of shielding or protecting anyone. The Congress is committed to ensuring women's safety across the country," reported news agency ANI quoting Dy CM.

The disturbing incident unfolded on Sunday, when the tribal woman, whose son eloped with the girl, was forcibly pulled out of her home by the girl's family members. They proceeded to strip her naked, tie her to a pole, and subjected her to physical assault. The police said that the woman's son had been in a relationship with the girl, and upon discovering the elopement, the girl's family forcefully entered the son's residence.