In a dramatic turn, the family of the minor girl who filed a POCSO case against a bus conductor in Belagavi has announced their decision to withdraw the complaint. They stated in a video message that the incident is being misrepresented as a Kannada vs. Marathi issue and urged people to stop fueling tensions between Karnataka and Maharashtra.

Family clarifies stance

The girl’s mother recalled that the conflict began over a ticketing issue while her children were traveling home from a hospital visit. She emphasized that the family holds no language bias, stating, “We are Kannadigas too, even if we speak Marathi.”

Legal procedures pending

Belagavi Police Commissioner Iada Martin Marbaniang confirmed seeing the video statement but noted that the family has not yet approached the police to officially withdraw the case. He clarified that specific legal steps must be followed to close the case.

Police action & minister’s response

Meanwhile, the Marihal police inspector was transferred for delayed action on the conductor’s assault complaint. Home Minister G Parameshwara has sought a report on the POCSO case’s registration, stating it is under review.