The Karnataka BJP on Friday hit out at the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government over the attack on an interfaith couple in Haveri district, alleging that a surge in crimes against women in the state reflects rampant lawlessness, and that criminals operate boldly without fear of police intervention.

On January 8, seven men allegedly barged into a hotel room and attacked an interfaith couple during their stay in Haveri, a city situated 340 km north-west of Bengaluru.