Two minor sisters have been sexually assaulted in Karnataka’s Raichur district and a 30-year-old man arrested by Sindhanur Town Police on suspicion of sexual assault. The case has shocked the people there and raised fears that children from poor and vulnerable families will be vulnerable and economically disadvantaged.
The alleged crime took place in Sindhanur Taluk of Raichur district and the victims, two young sisters studying in the second and third standard, belonged to a poor family that earns a livelihood by daily wage labor. The family was housed in a temporary shed while working in the area.
The accused, Baba, was known to the family and worked at a local ice factory, police said. The man, police believe, took advantage of the family’s circumstances and the trust placed in him by the parents, they said. Preliminary evidence indicates that the alleged attacks occurred when parents had left for their day-to-day work and the children were left at home.
The accused allegedly entered the shed where the family lived and committed the offences against the minor girls, police said. Family members were aware of the incident and came to police with a complaint.
On receiving the complaint, officers from Sindhanur Town Police Station immediately launched an investigation and caught the suspect. He is now in custody and being questioned as part of the investigation.
Because of the age of the victims, police have registered a case under stringent provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Rape and provisions under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act have also been invoked. The investigation is being done with utmost sensitivity given the involvement of child victims, said officials.
Police sources said that medical examinations and other legal processes are being carried out in accordance with child protection guidelines. Statements from the victims, their family members and other relevant witnesses are being recorded to establish the full sequence of events.
The incident has caused great concern among people in the region. Local community members expressed shock that such an alleged crime could be committed against young children by a person familiar with the family. Child rights advocates have also said more awareness, better community vigilance and better protection mechanisms are needed for children living in vulnerable situations.
Many of the crimes against children are committed by those who are personally aware of victims and their families, and awareness and early reporting is key, they say. They also emphasize psychological support and counseling for children who are affected by these crimes and families impacted by trauma.
The case has also raised attention to the hardships faced by migrant laborers and workers at the bottom of the economy and everyday wage workers who live in temporary shelters without access to security and social support services. Children must be protected more, they say.
Police officials have also assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway and that all evidence will be carefully considered. Based on the results of that investigation, appropriate legal action will be taken, stated police.
The accused man is in police custody and more investigations are ongoing. Law enforcement agencies would like justice for the victims and hold those accountable under the law, as stated in the statement.
