Bantwal: Girl allegedly raped and murdered - suspect taken into custody
Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal (DV)
Pics: Kishore Peraje
Updated: February 26
Bantwal, Feb 25: In what may be termed as a grim reminder of the sensational Sowjanya rape and murder case that took place in Beltangady in October last year, a girl aged 22 years in Kalladka here is reported to have met a similar fate.
The girl was found allegedly raped and murdered in Baltila village, Kalladka here on Monday February 25.
It is said that the girl got a job in Manipal 15 days ago and hence she was residing in her aunt's place at Udupi. The girl having completed D Ed course, had come to her hometown to collect documents to apply for a government teacher's post.
The girl got down at Dasakodi bus stand and was walking towards her house which is a kilometer away. She was last seen by the locals at around 1.30 pm.
At around evening, her neighbour Vidya while walking along the road near Kuntalgudde spotted the girl's mobile phone fallen on the road. Puzzled, she picked it up and took it home for safekeeping.
Meanwhile, the girl's aunt called on her mobile phone, and when Vidya answered, she asked if she had reached home safely.
Vidya immediately informed the girl's parents about the call, and a search began as the girl had not reached home. It is said that her parents were unaware of her visit from Udupi.
During the search, the girl's footwear, churidar shawl and bag were found on the way to Kuntalgutte, which raised further suspicion. Her body was then found in a small pond at some distance away, and taken out with the help of the locals. Injury marks were found on her neck which indicated that she might have been killed.
Various marks were found at the spot which clearly indicated that the girl was forcibly taken near the pond.
The body was taken to Bantwal government hospital for medical examination. Marks were found on the girl's neck and lips and her clothes were torn. Bantwal police have registered a case and investigation is on.
Locals said that a man identified as Satish had been seen returning from that spot same evening. A woman (a relative of Satish) heard the girl's screams and rushed to see what was wrong. She saw Satish emerging from the spot and questioned him. Satish who was perspiring heavily replied that he did not know anything and went to his house.
An aged woman also saw a man forcing a girl on the roadside, but as she was scared, she did not disclose the matter, said police sources.
Based on circumstantial evidence, police took Satish into custody. Sources said that he was involved in two rape attempts earlier too. He had also reportedly abused the deceased girl previously and had even asked for her phone number.
The deceased girl belongs to a poor family and with great difficulty she had completed her studies. She is survived by her parents, four sisters and a brother.
A case has been registered in Bantwal rural police station.