The man accused in the Manipal minor rape and murder case has escaped from police custody on Sunday, 31 March.
According to a report by Times Now, he escaped from police custody while being escorted back to Hiriyadka jail in Udupi on Sunday.
Hanumanthappa Basappa Kambali, a 39-year-old from Bagalkot district, was arrested on Saturday, 30 March, in connection with the case, reported The News Minute. He was then remanded to 14 days of judicial custody by a Magistrate Court, and was booked POCSO Act, along with sections 376A, 366A and 302.
The minor’s body was found near the Moodusagri village in Udupi district on 10 March.
Escape from Vehicle, Police Issues Warning
The accused surprised the police and escaped from the vehicle on route to the jail.
Speaking toThe News Minute, Udupi Superintendent of Police (SP) Nisha James said, “He was being escorted to the prison around 7:30 pm to be handed over to jail authorities. We are asking the public for more information on him. We have a few leads on where he might be and we are investigating that.”
The accused is approximately 5 feet tall and was last seen wearing a pair of green trousers when he escaped. James requested the public to provide any information.
Victim was Lured on the Pretext of a Job
The victim went missing on 9 March, and her body was found by a resident on 10 March, in an isolated, wooded area near Doddanagudde close to the railway tracks, reported TNM. Officials at the Forensic Medicine Department conducted a preliminary analysis of the body, and found she had been raped and strangulated.
According to Times Now, the victim was lured by the accused on the promise of a job with a high salary. On this basis he befriended her and took her to an secluded area to commit the crimes. She was murdered by strangulation from her dupatta, after she threatened to disclose the incident.
The case has created a wave of outrage in the city.
(With inputs from Times Now, The News Minute)
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