Minor Dalit girl raped and murdered in Vijayapura; protests erupt

VIJAYAPURA:A 15-year-old Dalit girl was raped and murdered in broad daylight in Vijayapura town on Tuesday. The incident occurred at Manjunath Nagar around 2.30pm when the victim was on her way to school along with her younger sister.

It’s said that the prime suspect in the murder who was known to the victim, stopped her on the pretext of talking. At the same time, five to six of his friends who came there dragged the victim into an empty house and allegedly raped and murdered her. The victim’s sister who escaped the gang went to her school and informed the teachers. Teachers rushed to the area and found the girl dead inside the room.
Adarsh Nagar Police who have registered a case have formed a team to catch the accused. Police sources said that on Tuesday two boys had been detained and search for the others was on.

Vijayapura SP Kuldeep Jain told Express that the initial medical reports suggested that there was no gang rape. “However, we are waiting for the autopsy report. We have identified the main accused and soon he will be arrested. The role of other boys and reason for the death of the girl is being investigated,” he said.
The incident has sparked protests throughout the district with people taking to the roads. The family members and Dalit organisations held protest throughout the night keeping the dead body of the girl at Ambedkar Circle.

On Wednesday several organisations held protest in Vijayapura and other parts of district. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah who was in Vijayapura was gheraoed by ABVP members. He called on the family members of the victim on Wednesday night after participating in a function and handed over a cheque.