On Friday, May 3rd, police apprehended a 19-year-old suspect identified as Saddam Hussein on allegations of sexually assaulting a minor girl over several months, resulting in her pregnancy, in Hubballi, Karnataka. The authorities reported that the accused purportedly committed multiple acts of rape against the 17-year-old victim between January 1st and May 3rd of this year. It was revealed that the accused and the survivor were acquainted through their school ties, with the accused allegedly subjecting her to verbal abuse, threats, and coercion.
According to the Police Commissioner of Hubballi-Dharwad, Renuka Sukumar, during the process of bringing Saddam Hussein to the police station for formal arrest, he physically assaulted two police officers. Sukumar disclosed that in self-defense, the police discharged their firearms, resulting in an injury to the suspect’s left leg. Currently, the suspect is receiving medical treatment in a hospital.
The incident came to public attention on May 3rd when the victim’s family sought medical assistance for their minor daughter due to abdominal pain. Upon examination, hospital staff discovered the girl’s pregnancy, prompting them to notify the authorities as mandated by law. Subsequently, the victim’s mother lodged a formal complaint with the police. It was alleged that Saddam Hussein, the accused, had threatened the mother with severe repercussions if she pursued legal action against him. Additionally, he reportedly directed casteist slurs at the victim. The accused and the survivor were acquainted from their school days, and the assaults had been ongoing for over four months, resulting in the victim’s pregnancy.
The victim’s mother asserted in her complaint that the accused had compelled her daughter into a physical relationship, leading to her impregnation. Law enforcement officials confirmed the registration of a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) due to the victim’s status as a minor. Reports also indicated the invocation of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, as the victim belonged to the Dalit community, as confirmed by the police. However, there were erroneous reports stating her belonging to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community.
In response to the incident, Hindu advocacy groups and members of the BJP criticized the Karnataka government, alleging a lack of safety for Hindu women and girls under Congress leadership. Pro-Hindu activists and BJP supporters staged a protest outside the local police station, demanding justice for the survivor and condemning the Siddaraiamah-led state government.
On Saturday, May 4th, the BJP launched a scathing attack on the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government, denouncing the perceived absence of protection for Hindu women and girls in Hubballi. In a statement, the party accused the Congress of empowering individuals they described as “terrorists, rapists, fanatic Jihadists,” citing recent incidents including the murder of Neha, daughter of Congress Councillor Niranjan Hiremath. The BJP criticized the state government’s handling of Neha’s murder investigation, which is currently under the jurisdiction of the State’s Criminal Investigation Department.
The post concluded with a warning, asserting that failure to address these concerns promptly would result in public outrage, potentially leading to consequences for the government.
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