Man Arrested Under POCSO for Assaulting a Minor in Sullia, Karnataka

On a quiet evening in Sullia, a small town tucked away in Karnataka’s Dakshina Kannada district, an incident unfolded that has since rattled the community. According to local police, a man in his early thirties was taken into custody after a minor girl, aged about 13, reported that he had sexually assaulted her.

The complaint was lodged at the Sullia police station on Monday morning. Officers say the victim’s family approached the station immediately after the alleged incident, fearing for her safety and well‑being. The police filed a First Information Report (FIR) under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, a law specifically designed to shield minors from such heinous crimes.

Detectives from the district’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) arrived at the scene within hours. They recorded statements from the victim, her parents, and a few neighbours who happened to be around at the time. “We are treating this case with utmost seriousness. The accused has been produced before the magistrate, and bail has been denied pending further investigation,” said Inspector Raghavendra of the Sullia police.

According to the FIR, the alleged perpetrator approached the girl near a public well, offering her a ride to a nearby market. Once they were away from the crowded area, the accused is said to have forced himself on the girl. The victim managed to break free and ran back home, where her parents immediately sought police help.

Friends of the accused claim he is a local contractor who has previously been involved in community projects. However, neighbors also note that he had a reputation for being “quiet” and “kept to himself,” which makes the allegations all the more shocking. The police have seized his mobile phone and a few pieces of clothing for forensic analysis, hoping to uncover DNA evidence that could corroborate the girl’s account.

Legal experts remind the public that the POCSO Act carries stringent punishments, ranging from seven years to life imprisonment, depending on the nature of the offence and the age of the victim. “The law is clear: any sexual activity with a child, even if it is deemed consensual by the victim, is a non‑negotiable crime,” said Advocate Shyam Prasad, who has handled several POCSO cases in Karnataka.

The community, meanwhile, is grappling with a mix of anger, disbelief, and a call for stricter safety measures for children. Local NGOs have already begun organizing awareness camps, emphasizing the importance of educating children about personal safety and encouraging prompt reporting of any misconduct.

As the investigation proceeds, the police have urged anyone with additional information to step forward. The accused remains in custody, and a court hearing is scheduled for next week. The case serves as a stark reminder that vigilance and swift action are essential to protect the most vulnerable among us.