Bengaluru, August 16: Karnataka police have arrested seven individuals, including a doctor and a staff nurse, in connection with the alleged rape of a mentally challenged woman and the subsequent illegal termination of her pregnancy in Gadag district.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Sikandar Bepari, Shabbir Ahmed Langoti alias Juna Sahab, Pradeep Nawalekar, Bharat Koravara, Sandeep, Nagaraj Kamatra, and Rekha Shirahatti.
According to police reports, Sikandar, Shabbir Ahmed, Pradeep, and Bharat lured the woman to a secluded location where they repeatedly sexually assaulted her. The incident came to light when the woman became pregnant, prompting her family to discover the alleged abuse. Police stated that the accused threatened the victim’s family and attempted to resolve the matter with money.
During the investigation, authorities learned that the accused collaborated with Dr. Nagaraj Kamatra from Belatti village and staff nurse Rekha Shirahatti from Shigali Government Hospital to facilitate the victim’s abortion. Police reported that Sandeep was also involved in the process. The victim was administered ten pills, leading to the termination of her pregnancy.
The victim’s family has alleged that some local community leaders and an SDPI leader attempted to cover up the illegal abortion and protect the accused. Police confirmed that these allegations are also under investigation.
Meanwhile, authorities are searching for the owner of a medical shop that allegedly sold abortion pills without a prescription.
Gadag Superintendent of Police Rohan Jagdish stated that no individual connected to this case will be spared, regardless of their influence or position. He also warned that legal action would be taken against anyone attempting to mediate between the victim’s family and the accused or suppress the case.
The investigation is ongoing, with police looking into the potential involvement of others in this disturbing case.
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