K’taka: Seven held in Gadag rape and illegal abortion case
Gadag: Karnataka Police have arrested seven persons, 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, police said on Saturday.
The arrested persons have been identified as Sikandar Bepari, Shabbir Ahmad Langoti alias Joona Saab, Pradeep Navalekar, Bharat Koravara, Sandeep, Nagaraj Kamatara and Rekha Shirahatti.
According to police, Sikandar, Shabbir Ahmad, Pradeep and Bharat allegedly lured the woman to an isolated location and sexually assaulted her repeatedly over a prolonged period.
The incident came to light after the woman became pregnant, following which her family members learned about the alleged sexual assault. Police said the accused allegedly threatened the victim’s family and attempted to persuade them to settle the matter by offering money.
During the investigation, police allegedly found that the accused, with the assistance of Nagaraj Kamatara, a medical practitioner from Bellatti village in Lakshmeshwara taluk, and Rekha Shirahatti, a staff nurse attached to Shigli Government Hospital, arranged for the victim to undergo an abortion.
Police said Sandeep was also allegedly involved in the process. The victim was reportedly made to consume 10 tablets to induce a miscarriage, following which the pregnancy was terminated.
The victim’s family has also alleged that some local community leaders and an SDPI leader were involved in attempts to facilitate the illegal abortion and protect the accused. Police said these allegations are also being examined as part of the investigation.
Meanwhile, police have launched a search for the owner of a medical shop who allegedly sold the abortion pills without a prescription.
Gadag Superintendent of Police Rohan Jagadish said no person connected with the case would be spared, irrespective of their influence or position. He warned that those who attempted to compromise the matter between the victim’s family and the accused or tried to suppress the case would face legal action.
The investigation is underway, and police are also probing the alleged involvement of other persons in the case.