Mangalore: Minor allegedly raped by JD(S) activist attempts suicide

Sunil Haleangady
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Jun 15: A JD(S) booth committee president has been accused of raping a minor girl, at a house behind the government school at Lingappayyakadu near Mulky in the taluk on Friday June 14. It is learnt that a local woman had extended him help in committing this crime.

The girl, who was very much disturbed and aghast at the turn of events, tried to commit suicide. She fell seriously ill, and is being treated in a hospital.

The accused has been identified as Manjunath alias Kalla Manja, president of JD(S) booth committee. He is the son of an employee of New Mangalore Port Trust. A local named Manjula allegedly supported the culprit in this adventure.

Kalla Manja, who used to work as a driver in the past, remained unemployed since sometime. He was seen roaming around in his motor bike most of the time. Some say that he is addicted to ganja.

The girl is a native of Dharwad district, who remained home after passing seventh standard. Her parents had ventured out of their home to work as coolies, when her neighbour, Manjula, invited her into the latter’s house. As soon as the girl came in, Manjula closed the door. Kalla Manja, who was waiting in the house of Manjula, then allegedly raped the girl.

The girl, who was shell-shocked by this unexpected incident, was late in reaching her home back. When her father, who had come back home by then, questioned her, she remained mum. Within a short while, she consumed some chemical stored in the house and tried to end her life. The parents rushed her to a hospital in Mukka, where the doctors found out that she was raped.

A case has been registered in Mulky police station. The police have launched a manhunt for Kalla Manja and Manjula, both of whom have gone missing.