Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur
Kundapur, Jul 12: In a chilling reminder of the rape and murder of Sowjanya that occured in Beltangady almost two years ago, a girl from Alandoor here, who went missing on July 9, is suspected to have met a similar fate.
The 17-year-old girl, identified by her initials RK, was found dead in a forest at Alandoor on Saturday July 12 morning.
It is said that a woman who came to pick leaves sensed a foul smell emanating from the forest area, and on checking, she found the girl's body.
The body was in a decomposed state, and it is suspected that she was raped and murdered about one or two days back.
The girl's college bag was found near body. Her shawl and footwear were found in a nearby bush. Her clothes were torn, and there was a wound on her neck, indicating that she might have been strangled after being raped.
Forensic team from Manipal and SP Dr Boralingaiah along with Kundapur circle inspector P M Diwakar arrived at the spot.
Speaking to mediapersons, Dr Boralingaiah said that three police squads will be formed to investigate the case. "Strict action will be taken against the culprits," he assured.
Two persons, both locals, have been taken into custody for questioning.
The body was taken to Manipal hospital for post-mortem.
Byndoor MLA Gopal Poojary arrived at the spot urged the police to investigate the case thoroughly.
A first PU student of a college at Shiroor, the girl went missing on Wednesday July 9 morning while on the way to college. She was believed to have been kidnapped from a desolate stretch of the road at Savantagudde, as people living in a house near this place had seen the girl walking towards the college. A case of abduction was registered in Byndoor police station.