Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Mar 17: Rajesh (24), from Sorab in Shimoga district, who has been charged with abduction of a minor girl from Puttur and different sections of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, tried to end life by consuming some poisonous substance at Pandeshwar police station here on Monday March 16. He developed health complications and was admitted into the hospital immediately.

Rajesh, who operates a Paan shop at Bengaluru, used to visit a relative who was being treated at KMC Hospital Manipal about a year back. The 14-year-old girl from Puttur also frequented this hospital for visiting her relative during this period. Both of them came to know about each other, and this acquaintance soon turned into mutual love. Both used to meet often, it is learnt.

When both of them were found together at the service bus stand at Hampankatta here on March 15 morning, They were taken into custody and Rajesh was booked under POCSO Act and was also charged with abducting a minor girl. The girl was entrusted to the care of Prajna Counselling Centre.

Sources said that at about 3.15 am on Monday, when Rajesh was being questioned, he suddenly removed a tin from his bag and emptied the contents into his mouth. He also said that he and the girl were in deep love, and had decided to commit suicide together as their families were unhappy with their alliance.

'We had prepared a death note on March 9, and had placed the poisonous substance for consumption in our bags in advance,' he stated. The police believe that he would have decided to end life, after developing cold feet at the prospects of having to spend long time inside jail.

Rajesh is being treated in the hospital, and he is showing signs of recovery, policemen stated.