Karnataka CPI suspended for negligence in Dharwad minor Dalit girl's death case
Synopsis
A Karnataka Circle Police Inspector has been suspended for dereliction of duty in the Dharwad case of a minor Dalit girl who died on 9 May after allegedly being harassed by a Muslim youth. With two accused now arrested, explicit material reportedly recovered, and Hindutva groups staging protests, the case has become a flashpoint over both alleged sexual exploitation and police accountability.
Key Takeaways
CPI Shivayogi Lohar was suspended on 13 June by Dharwad SP Gunjan Arya for dereliction of duty.
A minor Dalit girl allegedly consumed insecticide on 8 May and died during treatment on 9 May at KMCRI, Dharwad .
Two accused — Nayeem Baig Jorammanavar, 25 , and Sohail Mulla, 22 — were arrested on Wednesday under the POCSO Act .
Investigators reportedly recovered photographs and explicit videos from the accused's mobile phones.
Bajrang Dal and VHP have announced protests; Sri Rama Sene chief Pramod Muthalik visited the victim's family.
Further investigation is underway; additional departmental action has not been ruled out.
Karnataka Police on Saturday, 13 June suspended Circle Police Inspector (CPI) Shivayogi Lohar over alleged dereliction of duty in the investigation into the death of a minor Dalit girl in Dharwad district. The suspension order was issued by Dharwad Superintendent of Police Gunjan Arya, amid mounting pressure from the victim's family and Hindu organisations over what they allege was a botched and suppressed probe.
What the Case Involves
The case centres on a minor Dalit girl from a village in Dharwad taluk who allegedly consumed insecticide on 8 May following alleged mental harassment by a Muslim youth. She was admitted to the Karnataka Medical College and Research Institute (KMCRI) but died during treatment on 9 May. The incident subsequently drew allegations of sexual exploitation and so-called 'love jihad' from Hindutva groups and the victim's family.
Arrests and Evidence
Police arrested two accused on Wednesday. The arrested individuals were identified as Nayeem Baig Jorammanavar, 25, of Hanumanakoppa village, and Sohail Mulla, 22, of Uppinabetageri village. According to police sources, investigators recovered photographs and explicit videos from the mobile phones of the accused, which allegedly indicate sexual exploitation of the minor girl. A case had been registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Allegations of Police Negligence
Critics and the victim's family alleged that the jurisdictional police failed to act swiftly, delayed arrests for over a month after the girl's death, and reportedly attempted to broker a compromise rather than pursue a thorough investigation. They further alleged that the girl's illiterate parents were sidelined during the process. These allegations directly led to the suspension of CPI Lohar on charges of dereliction of duty.
Political and Organisational Pressure
Bajrang Dal activists staged a protest on Friday demanding disciplinary action against the officials concerned, with the suspension order following the very next day. Sri Rama Sene chief Pramod Muthalik had earlier visited Garag village and met the victim's family, questioning the police's inaction despite more than a month having elapsed since the girl's death. Organisations including Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) have announced further protests demanding strict action against both the accused and officials allegedly responsible for lapses in the investigation.
What Happens Next
Police confirmed that the investigation into the case remains ongoing. The suspension of the CPI signals that departmental accountability is now under scrutiny alongside the criminal proceedings. Further action against other officials has not been ruled out, according to reports.
Point of View
That points to institutional failure far deeper than one officer's conduct. Karnataka Police now faces a dual credibility test — on the criminal investigation and on internal discipline. The speed of the arrests after weeks of inaction, coinciding precisely with organised protests, raises uncomfortable questions about what triggers law enforcement in politically charged cases.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Karnataka Circle Police Inspector suspended?
CPI Shivayogi Lohar was suspended on 13 June by Dharwad Superintendent of Police Gunjan Arya for alleged dereliction of duty in the investigation into the death of a minor Dalit girl in Dharwad district. He faced charges of failing to act appropriately, delaying arrests, and allegedly attempting to broker a compromise in a POCSO case.
Who are the accused arrested in the Dharwad minor girl death case?
Police arrested Nayeem Baig Jorammanavar, 25, of Hanumanakoppa village, and Sohail Mulla, 22, of Uppinabetageri village on Wednesday. Both are accused in connection with the alleged sexual exploitation and harassment of the minor girl.
What happened to the minor Dalit girl in Dharwad?
The minor Dalit girl from a village in Dharwad taluk allegedly consumed insecticide on 8 May after reportedly being subjected to mental harassment by a Muslim youth. She was admitted to KMCRI but died during treatment on 9 May.
What evidence was recovered by police in the Dharwad case?
According to police sources, investigators recovered photographs and explicit videos from the mobile phones of the two accused, which allegedly indicate sexual exploitation of the minor girl. The case is registered under the POCSO Act.
Which organisations are protesting over the Dharwad case?
Bajrang Dal, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), and Sri Rama Sene have been active in demanding action. Bajrang Dal activists staged a protest on Friday ahead of the CPI's suspension, while Sri Rama Sene chief Pramod Muthalik visited the victim's family in Garag village.
