Beltangady: Dharmasthala police have arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the alleged rape of a 16-year-old girl, who later became pregnant and gave birth to a baby girl.

The accused has been identified as Srikanth, 21, a native of Andhra Pradesh who was reportedly working in Bengaluru. Police have registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in connection with the incident.

According to the allegations in the case, the accused had become acquainted with the girl, who is from the Dharmasthala police station limits, and had developed a relationship with her.

Alleged offences took place last year

Police said the alleged sexual assault took place between September and November last year. Srikanth is accused of forcibly raping the girl and threatening her against disclosing the matter to anyone.

Due to the alleged threats, the girl reportedly remained silent and did not inform her family or others about the incident at the time.

The matter came to light later after the girl became pregnant. She subsequently gave birth to a baby girl on August 22.

Following the emergence of the incident, a case was registered at the Dharmasthala police station under the POCSO Act and further legal provisions.

Accused arrested in Doddaballapur

Soon after the case was registered, the accused allegedly attempted to flee, police said.

Acting on information, the police traced him to Doddaballapur in Bengaluru. He was reportedly arrested while attempting to travel from Doddaballapur to his native place, Hindupur in Andhra Pradesh’s Anantapur district.

The arrest brought an end to the immediate search for the accused, following which he was taken into custody and produced before the court.

Police are continuing further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the case and the allegations made in the complaint.

Produced before POCSO court

After his arrest, Srikanth was produced before the POCSO court in Mangaluru.

The court remanded the accused to judicial custody.

The case will now proceed in accordance with the legal process. Police are expected to continue their investigation and collect relevant evidence as part of the case.

The incident has once again drawn attention to the importance of the POCSO Act and the need for the timely reporting of offences involving minors. Police and child protection authorities urge families and members of the public to report suspected cases involving the sexual abuse of children immediately so that appropriate legal action and support can be provided.

The accused remains in judicial custody, while further investigation into the case is under way.