Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Aug 21: An auto rickshaw driver, who reportedly raped a minor girl residing in Bijapur Colony at K S Rao Nagar, Mulky, stands booked and arrested. The accused has been identified as Vishwanath (27) from K S Rao Nagar.

Vishwanath operates an auto rickshaw in K S Rao Nagar. He ferried school students in his vehicle. During these visits, he is said to have tricked a minor girl from the area into falling prey for his designs and raped her. The girl became pregnant as a result.

Recently, when the girl was in the third month of her pregnancy, he took her to a hospital at Padubidri for a check up. The doctor there developed suspicion and checked the age of the girl. The doctor immediately conveyed information to the district women and child development department.

The accused was arrested by the police. He has been booked under provisions of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. On being produced in court, he was remanded to two weeks judicial custody. Further investigation is in progress.