17 booked for abusing minor girl in Karnataka’s Sringeri

February 1, 2021

Four days after the sexual abuse of a minor girl for four months came to light, Sringeri police on Sunday booked 17 people under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) and Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act.
Police said the 15-year-old SSLC student was abused allegedly by a neighbour and others since September. The orphan girl was staying with her aunt in a village in the district. The incident surfaced on Thursday after neighbours told the district child and women welfare centre about the abuse.
Police spoke to the girl on Thursday and Friday before handing her over to a shelter in Chikkamagaluru, managed by the women and children welfare department.
Chikkamagaluru SP HA Macchindra said cops have started probing the case and expressed hope the accused would soon be arrested. The girl’s aunt has been named in the FIR. Police on Sunday said they will subject the girl to a medical exam.
(The victim’s identity has not been revealed to protect her privacy as per Supreme court directives on cases related to sexual assault)