Daijiworld Media Network - Moodbidri

Moodbidri, Oct 14: In a swift operation, the Moodbidri police have arrested four individuals accused of plotting a gang rape, thereby averting a major tragedy. The incident was planned to occur at a house in Kallakumeru, Niddodi.

The arrested accused have been identified as Mahesh, a resident of Kallakumeru in Niddodi; Srikanth of  Kondemoole in Bajpe; Yajnesh of Katil; and Dilip Yane Deepu, a resident of Nadugode in Mulki.

According to the police, the prime accused, Mahesh, who works as an auto-rickshaw driver, had obtained the mobile number of a minor girl under the pretext of paying the fare after dropping her home from a temple. He subsequently began messaging and calling her, professing his love and promising to marry her.

Mahesh then lured the girl to Kinnigoli. When she arrived with a friend, he took them in his auto-rickshaw to his house. He seated the friend in the hall and took the minor girl inside, where he allegedly raped her.

The police revealed that the accused had called the girl and her friend to the house under the pretext of having it cleaned and had brought them from Kinnigoli on a scooter. While Mahesh was inside committing the assault, the other accused—Srikanth, Dilip, and Yajnesh—were allegedly waiting on the veranda, having conspired to gang rape the victim.

Acting promptly on received information, a team led by Moodbidri police inspector Sandesh P G raided the location and arrested the accused, bringing them to the police station. During interrogation, the accused reportedly confessed to their conspiracy. The timely and conscious action of Inspector Sandesh P G was successful in preventing the potential gang rape.

During the raid, condoms and other items were found at the house. A case has been registered against the accused under the POCSO Act.