Udupi: Manipal rape - No arrest yet, MU registrar says security will be tightened
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (UM)
Udupi, Jun 23: The police have intensified their search for the elusive accused in the Manipal rape-case that has shocked the state.
Police confirmed to daijiworld that no arrests have been made so far, though a few persons have been taken for questioning over last two days.
The police have also collected identity cards of all rickshaw drivers in the district through the auto drivers' union.
It is said that the auto used in the crime was a new TVS King. Sources said that after kidnapping the girl, the accused took her to a lonely wooded area in Saralabettu and allegedly raped her, before dropping her back to her flat.
It is now learnt that the incident of kidnapping came to the notice of the security guard at the university when he saw the girl's mobile phone, umbrella and other belongings fallen at the spot. He gathered them and handed them over to the college management and a search began for the girl. The police too were called and all the surrounding areas were searched, but in vain.
Meanwhile, the three men who abducted her carefully drove away to Saralabettu, avoiding all CCTVs on the way. When dropping her back too, they left her at a lonely lane behind the flat where no one noticed them. Sources also said that the auto, being a new one, was unregistered.
The girl, who is recuperating in the hospital, has not been able to give information about her persecuters. Except for a few minutes of interation with the SP, she has not talked to anyone, it is said. With no information from the girl herself and CCTVs not helping either, the investigation has been hampered. However, the police have said that they have gathered vital clues and are confident of catching the culprits soon.
Home minister K J George will be visiting Udupi and Manipal on Sunday June 23. Politicians across party lines have condemned the incident and demands for quick arrest and punishment of culprits has been fast gaining momentum from various quarters. Kerala government too has contacted chief minister Siddaramaiah and asked for a thorough probe into the incident, as the girl hails from Kerala.
Security will be tightened - MU registrar
Dr G K Prabhu, registrar of Manipal University, while speaking in an exclusive interview with Daijiworld said that the management and the staff of the varsity were equally shocked about what has happened to one of their students.
“Our hearts go out to the victim and her family. Manipal University making sure that she is getting the best medical attention. Moreover, she is being given emotional support at this stage. We have informed her family and they are on their way and expected to reach Manipal tonight or tomorrow morning”, he added.
“Investigation is being done by the relevant authorities and it is too early to say anything about the incident. Action will be taken by the authorities only. We have been running the campus for the last 50 years and this is the first incident of this kind and we condemn it. We are fully cooperating with the police and the district authorities.
"Whatever information is accessible to us regarding the incident, has been handed over to the police with the intention of catching the culprits at the earliest. After consulting with the police authorities, security measures will be further tightened on the campus and outside the campus,” added Dr Prabhu.
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