Authorities in Mangaluru have arrested seven people linked to the alleged gang rape of a junior college student that occurred near Kinnikambla in Gurupura Kaikamba on Tuesday. Evidence suggests the accused also filmed the incident and subsequently shared the footage.
The victim had reportedly connected with Karthik, one of the accused, on Instagram approximately two months before the event, leading to the development of an online relationship.
On June 29, Karthik is accused of persuading the minor girl to accompany him on his scooter, using the pretext of lunch at a hotel in Valachil. He then transported her to a wooded area near Adyar Falls. There, the assault reportedly took place. Authorities claim Karthik committed sexual assault, and one of his associates also raped the victim. The main perpetrator is alleged to have recorded the incident and disseminated the video to his associates.
The accused have been identified as Karthik, Rakesh Saldana, Jeevan, Sandeep, Rakshith, Shravan, and Suresh. Police confirmed that the other five were arrested for abetment relating to the video’s circulation.
A case has been filed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Information Technology Act. The accused are now in judicial custody.