Mangalore: Youth convicted of raping college girl in 2010

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore

Mangalore, Oct 2: The fourth additional district and sessions court on Tuesday October 1 convicted a youth of raping a college student three years ago in Gandottu, Mucchur.

Prashanth alias Rupesh Devadiga (25) was convicted of raping a 17-year-old girl and threatening to kill her on December 10, 2010.  A case was registered in Bajpe police station in this regard.

The quantum of punishment will be pronounced on October 5.

The hearing in the case began on September 17, 2012 in the fast track court. The case was later shifted to fourth additional district and sessions court, where the charges were proved.

The final hearing regarding quantum of punishment will be held on October 3, and the pronouncement will be made on October 5,  said justice B K Naik.

The doctors who examined the girl did not find any marks on her body. However, in the report they stated that absence of marks did not mean that the rape had not taken place.

The statements by girl’s mother and family members, and investigation by police helped in proving Prashanth as guilty, said prosecutor Shiva Prasad Alva. None of the villagers had come forward as witness.

During the hearing, the defence lawyer maintained that Prashanth and girl were lovers and villagers had seen them together. Prashanth has been falsely charged in the case, he contended.

The then SI Vinay of Bajpe police had registered the case. The chargesheet was filed in the court by inspector Valentine D’Souza on March 2011. Manjunath V Bhat Penne and Shivaprasad Alva were the public prosecutors.