Two arrested for alleged rape of minor in forest near Dharmasthala

Mangaluru;  In a shocking incident, Dharmasthala Police have arrested two  youths  for allegedly raping a minor girl in a forest area near Ermayi Falls in Dakshina Kannada district.

The incident reportedly took place on April 16 in a forested region near Belthangady. The accused have been identified as Sumanth (28), a resident of Kadirudyavara, and Navaneeth (26) from Gardadi village. According to police sources, the crime came to light only after the minor disclosed the incident to her parents.

Following the revelation, the victim’s parents approached the Dharmasthala police station and filed a complaint. Acting swiftly, the police registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and launched an investigation.

Preliminary findings suggest that the accused lured the minor to a secluded forest area near the popular Ermayi Falls before committing the offence. Police teams conducted searches in the surrounding areas and managed to trace and arrest both suspects.

Officials said the accused are currently in custody and will be produced before a court. Further investigation is underway to establish the sequence of events and ascertain if any other individuals were involved.