Daijiworld Media Network – Beltangady

Beltangady, Jul 21: Beltangady police have arrested a 28-year-old auto-rickshaw driver in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a 16-year-old college student, who was later found to be pregnant.

The accused has been identified as Shubharaj (28), a resident of Uppinangady.

According to the police, the accused allegedly lured the minor student and sexually assaulted her. He is also accused of threatening the victim to prevent her from revealing the incident.

The case came to light after the girl complained of stomach pain. When her mother took her to a hospital for a medical examination, doctors confirmed that the 16-year-old was pregnant.

Following a complaint filed by the victim's mother, Beltangady police registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act on July 18.

During the investigation, police traced the accused to Putrabailu in Laila village and arrested him on the evening of July 19. He was produced before the Special POCSO Court in Mangaluru on July 20, which remanded him to judicial custody.

Police said the investigation into the case is continuing.