The Udupi police on Wednesday arrested a 33-year-old history-sheeter for allegedly raping a 15-year old girl in the district on Sunday. According to the police, the accused Ashok Poojary was known to the survivor.
On Sunday, Ashok allegedly coaxed the teen, who is in Class 10, into accompanying him in his car on the pretext of dropping her home. The teen was allegedly familiar with Ashok through a common acquaintance.
However, when they reached the village, Ashok allegedly raped the girl and threatened her with dire consequences if she spoke about the incident to anyone. The girl went home after the incident, but her parents noticed that she was distraught and shaken.
They repeatedly questioned her on her whereabouts since she had been away from home for a long time during the day. After repeated pleas from her mother, the girl broke down and narrated the ordeal to them. Her parents accompanied her to the Kota Police Station and reported the matter.
In her complaint to the police, the survivor alleged that Ashok Poojary was accompanied by two others when the incident occurred. The police have registered an FIR against the unidentified persons under relevant sections of POCSO. “We are looking out for them. We are yet to determine conclusively whether they were involved in the rape,” the police added.
Meanwhile the police said that the girl has been sent to the government hospital for a medical examination and are awaiting the report.
According to the police, Ashok is also wanted in connection with several other cases including theft and illegal sand transportation. “He is a habitual offender and has been listed as rowdy-sheeter in different police stations across the district. He is married and has two children. However, owing to some domestic disputes, Ashok is staying away from his wife and children,” the police officials said.
Police officials at the Kota police station registered a case against Ashok Poojary under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POSCO) and section 376 (rape) of the IPC, and his two friends have been booked under the POCSO Act. Since the girl belongs to Dalit community, a case was also booked under Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities).
On Wednesday, Ashok Poojary was produced before the court in Udupi, which remanded him to 15-day judicial custody.
(Story by Story Infinity (Subs and Scribes Media Ventures LLP.)