Hubballi, Karnataka: In a deeply troubling incident, Karnataka police have registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act against three minor boys for allegedly assaulting a young girl over the span of more than a week in Hubballi. The accused, aged between 14 and 15 years, carried out the repeated sexual assault while the girl’s parents were away for work during the day, authorities said.

According to the Hubballi-Dharwad Police Commissioner N Shashikumar, a formal complaint was filed by the girl’s family, prompting immediate action. “A complaint was filed that a minor girl has been subjected to sexual harassment and assaulted by three accused. All three accused happen to be minors in the age group of 14 to 15. We have taken them into custody,” he told news agency ANI. The Police Commissioner added that the acts of sexual violence occurred over seven to eight consecutive days, highlighting the sustained nature of the abuse.

Shashikumar also confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and assured that the police would follow all legal procedures under the POCSO Act and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act. These laws, specifically designed to protect minors from sexual offences and provide a framework for rehabilitation and justice, provide for strict procedures, including the custody and rehabilitation of minors involved in criminal acts.

While the Hubballi case drew attention for its disturbing circumstances and the young age of the perpetrators, it also underscores the larger issues of child protection and supervision, especially when parents are away for work. Police officials reiterated the need for communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious behaviour promptly, as timely intervention is critical in preventing prolonged abuse.

In a separate and equally disturbing case, Karnataka Police solved a gruesome murder involving the mutilation of a middle-aged woman in Koratagere, near Tumakuru. The victim, identified as 42-year-old Lakshmi Devi, was allegedly murdered by her son-in-law and two associates. Authorities said the case came to light when severed body parts of the victim were discovered stuffed in plastic bags along a roadside in Kolala village last week.

According to officials, the initial discovery occurred on August 7, when passersby noticed seven plastic-covered bundles containing human remains and immediately alerted local police. A follow-up search the next day led to the recovery of seven more bags, including one that contained the victim’s severed head. The remains were later conclusively identified as belonging to Lakshmi Devi.

Superintendent of Police Ashok K V explained that a special investigation team (SIT) was quickly formed to track down the perpetrators. The investigation led to the arrest of Dr. Ramachandrappa S, a local dentist and Lakshmi Devi’s son-in-law, along with his associates Satish K N and Kiran K S, all residents of Tumakuru. The authorities did not disclose the motive behind the brutal killing, but the case has sparked outrage in the local community due to the extreme violence involved.

Both these cases—the prolonged sexual assault in Hubballi and the gruesome murder in Tumakuru—highlight challenges faced by Karnataka police in addressing crimes against vulnerable individuals. While the legal system provides mechanisms such as POCSO and the Juvenile Justice Act to ensure both accountability and rehabilitation, enforcement and timely action remain critical in preventing such tragedies.

The Hubballi case, in particular, raises broader concerns regarding child safety, supervision, and the need for awareness among families. Experts note that minors who commit offences often require both legal accountability and rehabilitation measures. Similarly, communities are urged to actively participate in child protection initiatives and report incidents immediately to authorities to prevent prolonged harm.

As investigations continue, police in Hubballi and Tumakuru have assured that they are taking all necessary steps to ensure justice for the victims. In the case of the Hubballi girl, authorities are examining the circumstances that allowed the abuse to continue for an extended period and are likely to recommend measures for the child’s protection and counseling. The accused minors are expected to be produced before a Juvenile Justice Board, which will determine appropriate legal and rehabilitative action as mandated by law.

Meanwhile, the arrest of Lakshmi Devi’s son-in-law and his associates in Tumakuru has provided some closure to the victim’s family and the local community. Authorities are expected to file formal charges under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including murder and criminal conspiracy, as the investigation progresses.

These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of individuals—especially women and children—to exploitation and violence, and the crucial role of law enforcement in timely intervention. Karnataka police have urged citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities in reporting crimes, emphasizing that early detection and swift action are essential to safeguarding the community.

In conclusion, while the Hubballi case highlights issues of juvenile crime, sexual assault, and child protection, the Tumakuru murder underscores the extreme brutality that can accompany domestic disputes and personal vendettas. Together, they reflect the urgent need for continued vigilance, strengthened legal mechanisms, and community involvement to protect vulnerable members of society from harm.

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