Police have arrested two men in Belagavi district for allegedly assaulting a Class 7 girl while she was returning home from a nearby flour mill.
Survivor taken into sugarcane field
According to police, the incident occurred on 21 November when the child was walking home. The accused — Manikanth Dinnimani and Iranna Sankammanavar — allegedly took her into a sugarcane field near her house and harmed her.
The child approached police on Monday evening, following which a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act was registered at Murgod Police Station.
Survivor’s statement recorded; inquiry underway
Police said the first accused allegedly committed the offence while the second assisted by keeping watch.
The survivor’s statement has been recorded in the presence of a woman officer.
Belagavi Superintendent of Police Bhimashankar Guled confirmed both accused were taken into custody and added that further procedures under POCSO are underway.
Delay in reporting to be examined
SP Guled said the delay in filing the complaint will be reviewed.
“Often, children may be in shock or hesitant to speak, and some families delay reporting due to concerns about dignity. These patterns are commonly observed,” he said.
He added that all necessary support will be extended to the child.