Karnataka: Police Fatally Shoot Suspect in Minor Girl's Assault and Murder Case

Hubballi (Karnataka), April 14 (NationPress) — The Karnataka Police have fatally shot a suspect linked to the kidnapping, sexual assault, and murder of a minor girl in Hubballi city on Sunday.

The suspect has been identified as 35-year-old Ritesh Kumar from Patna, Bihar.

However, the police stated that the verification of the suspect's identity is still ongoing.

The Police Commissioner for Hubballi and Dharwad, N. Shashikumar, remarked: "The suspect was shot because he faced allegations of raping a five-year-old girl, and he could not be permitted to flee. Additionally, the police had to ensure their own safety."

"The police employed minimal force, resulting in the suspect being struck by a single bullet. He was quickly transported to the hospital but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries," he added.

"We received a tip-off from CCTV footage and local information, leading to the suspect's arrest. During the interrogation, which lasted three hours, he confessed to the crime but failed to provide accurate information about his identity," Shashikumar explained.

"He claimed to be Ritesh Kumar, 35, from Patna, Bihar, asserting he had been away from home for four years and had arrived in Hubballi three months ago," he continued.

"He was escorted to an abandoned house where he claimed to be living, for the police to inspect. At that moment, the suspect suddenly attacked the officers, attempting to throw stones at the police vehicle and personnel while trying to escape," he said.

"At this point, Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) Annapurna fired a warning shot into the air and instructed the suspect to halt. When he persisted in throwing stones, the female officer discharged her weapon at him," Shashikumar added.

"One bullet struck him in the leg, and another in the back. After he collapsed, he was taken to the hospital in an effort to save him, but he died from his injuries," he explained.

"PSI Annapurna, along with officers Yashwant and Veeresh, sustained injuries during this incident," he noted.

A disturbing event unfolded earlier on Sunday involving a youth who allegedly attempted to sexually assault a five-year-old girl and subsequently strangled her to death when she resisted.

The incident was reported within the jurisdiction of the Ashokanagar police station in Hubballi.

According to police reports, the suspect lured the girl to a shed and attempted to assault her. When she screamed for help, local residents rushed to the scene.

Upon noticing the approaching crowd, the suspect allegedly strangled the girl to death and fled the scene.

N. Shashikumar previously stated that the girl's parents were originally from Koppal; her father is a painter, and her mother works as a maid. The mother had taken her daughter to work, and the suspect allegedly abducted her during this time.

Later, the girl's body was discovered in a shed.

It remains to be confirmed whether the girl was sexually assaulted; an official noted that a medical examination will clarify the situation.

Meanwhile, the girl's parents protested outside the Ashokanagar police station, denouncing the incident and demanding severe action against the suspect.

Police Commissioner Shashikumar personally addressed the protestors, assuring them that strict measures would be enforced.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi expressed his sorrow over the horrific rape and murder of the five-year-old girl in Hubballi, deeming it deeply shocking and tragic.

The Minister visited KIMS hospital on Sunday night to gather information from police, offering consolation to the child's parents and encouraging them.

He commended the police's bravery in capturing the suspect.

"The rape and murder of a five-year-old girl is an incident that brings shame to civilized society. It is unbearable to witness the lifeless body of the little child. This heinous act has inflicted tremendous pain," the Minister stated.

"During the arrest, the suspect attempted to flee and even assaulted the police. Consequently, the police had to shoot him, and he has also died. Reports suggest the deceased suspect had consumed drugs. The issue of drug abuse has escalated significantly recently. Stringent measures must be taken to eliminate this problem," he added.

"Drug use is driving youth into criminal activities, and it must be completely eradicated from society. Taking this matter seriously, instructions have been issued to the Police Commissioner to ensure law and order," he concluded.