Sullia: The Sullia Police have arrested an 18-year-old youth under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for allegedly luring a minor girl who had been reported missing since May and sexually assaulting her. The accused was arrested after police traced the girl during the course of their investigation.
The arrested accused has been identified as Dhanush (18), a resident of Kadaba. Police said further legal proceedings are under way.
Minor reported missing in May
According to the police, the minor girl, a resident within the jurisdiction of the Sullia Police Station, left her home on May 7, informing her family that she was travelling to Mangaluru for work.
When she did not return home and her whereabouts remained unknown, her family approached the police and lodged a missing person complaint.
Based on the complaint, the Sullia Police registered a case on May 11 under Section 137(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and initiated an investigation to trace the missing girl.
Police trace girl during investigation
As part of the investigation, police gathered information and carried out searches at various locations.
The missing girl was successfully traced on July 22, bringing an end to the search operation that had continued for over two months.
After being traced, the girl was produced before the authorities for further legal procedures, during which her statement was recorded.
Allegations of sexual assault
According to the police, the minor alleged in her statement that Dhanush had lured her away from home and sexually assaulted her.
Following her statement, investigators incorporated additional provisions into the existing case.
Police added Section 64(2)(m) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) along with Sections 5(l) and 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, which deal with aggravated penetrative sexual assault and the corresponding punishment.
The allegations are part of the ongoing police investigation and will be examined during the legal process.
Accused arrested
Based on the girl’s statement and the evidence collected during the investigation, the Sullia Police arrested the accused on July 22.
Police said the accused is currently being interrogated as part of the investigation. Officials are continuing to gather evidence and complete other legal formalities before filing the charge sheet.
Investigation continues
An official release stated that further legal proceedings are under way.
Police are expected to continue their investigation by collecting additional evidence, recording witness statements and completing the procedures required under the POCSO Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
As the matter is under investigation, the allegations against the accused are yet to be tested before a court of law.
Conclusion
The arrest follows the successful tracing of the missing minor girl and the subsequent allegations made in her statement to the police. The Sullia Police are continuing their investigation while proceeding with legal action under the relevant provisions of the BNS and the POCSO Act.