Youth booked under POCSO found hanging in Kalaburagi village; mystery surrounds death

Kalaburagi, : A 26-year-old  youth, who was facing a case under the POCSO Act for allegedly marrying a minor, was found dead under suspicious circumstances in Kalagi taluk of Kalaburagi district.

The deceased has been identified as Revanasiddappa Talakeri, a driver who earned his livelihood by operating a goods auto. According to police, he had left home stating he was going out for routine work but was later found hanging from a tamarind tree on the outskirts of his village.

Police said Revanasiddappa had been in a relationship with a minor girl who frequently travelled in his auto. Despite opposition from families, he allegedly brought her to Hyderabad and married her. Following a complaint from the girl’s parents, a case was registered against him under the POCSO Act, and he was arrested and jailed.

He had secured bail around two weeks ago and returned to his native place. Family members said he appeared distressed in recent days. “He told us he wanted to leave the village, but we asked him to stay back and face the situation,” a relative said.

Sources revealed that after the marriage came to light, the girl’s family reportedly took her back and removed the mangalsutra, humiliating Revanasiddappa. This, along with the legal case and social stigma, is believed to have deeply affected him.

Investigators also found that he had posted “RIP” along with his own photograph on social media, indicating emotional distress. Locals said discussions about the POCSO case had intensified in the village, possibly adding to the pressure.

A case has been registered at Ratkal Police Station. While prima facie it appears to be a suicide, police have not ruled out foul play. “We are probing all angles, including whether it is a suicide or something more,” an officer said.

The incident has raised concerns about mental health, social stigma and the impact of legal battles on individuals.