A 28-year-old man, accused of the rape and murder of a minor girl, allegedly died by suicide in Mudhol town of Bagalkot district, Karnataka, on Sunday. The incident came to light when locals noticed his body hanging from a tree near the outskirts of the town and alerted the police.
Police investigation underway
Circle Police Inspector (CPI) Nagaraddi and the local Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) visited the spot and conducted a preliminary inspection. The body has been sent for post-mortem to the district hospital. Police have registered a case of unnatural death and are investigating the circumstances leading to the suicide.
The deceased was identified as Mahesh (name changed), a resident of Mudhol. He was arrested earlier this month in connection with the rape and murder of a 14-year-old girl from a nearby village. The crime had sparked outrage in the area, with locals demanding stringent action against the accused.
Background of the case
According to police sources, Mahesh was out on bail after being produced before a local court. He was allegedly harassing the victim's family and had been warned by the police. On Sunday morning, he left his home without informing anyone and later his body was found.
“We are verifying if there was any foul play. The family members of the accused have been questioned. We are also looking into his mental state and any possible triggers for the extreme step,” said CPI Nagaraddi.
Community reaction
The incident has left the local community shocked. While some residents expressed relief that the accused is no longer a threat, others stressed the need for a thorough investigation to ensure justice for the minor victim. The victim's family has demanded that the police probe the suicide to rule out any conspiracy.
Police have urged anyone with information about the accused's activities in the days leading up to the incident to come forward. The investigation is ongoing.
