A shocking case of child rape has been reported in Haveri district, where a 12-year-old girl was repeatedly raped by Basana Gowda, a 23-year-old hired hand who worked in her house. The accused has been arrested by the Haveri Women’s Police Station.
According to police, Basana Gowda had been working in the victim’s house for three years and had gained the trust of the family. He allegedly started talking to the girl under the pretext of housework and eventually wooed her by claiming to be in love and promising to marry her, despite knowing she was a minor.
The accused allegedly raped the girl for the first time over a year ago and continued to do so, threatening her life if she revealed the truth. The girl’s parents discovered the truth when they took her to the hospital for stomach ache and found out she was two months pregnant.
The police have registered a case under the POCSO Act and rape charges, and have warned parents to be cautious when hiring household workers and to be more concerned about the safety of their minor children. The accused has been arrested and the girl’s identity has been kept confidential due to the sensitive nature of the case.