Udupi: BJP leader’s son booked under POCSO for luring minor girl to lodge

Udupi : A case has emerged from Udupi where the son of a local BJP leader was arrested for allegedly luring a minor girl to a lodge in Manipal under the pretext of marriage and sexually assaulting her. The Udupi Women’s Police have registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

The accused has been identified as Shrikanth Poojary (20), a resident of Katpadi, Manipur. Police said Shrikanth took the minor girl to a lodge in Manipal after promising to marry her. Once there, he allegedly committed sexual assault. The incident came to light after the girl’s parents, having learned about her whereabouts, reached the lodge along with the police.

According to police sources, the accused had presented a fake Aadhaar card of the minor girl to the lodge staff during check-in to conceal her age. Following the complaint filed by the victim, the Udupi Women’s Police arrested Shrikanth and produced him before the court, which remanded him to judicial custody.

The victim, in her statement, alleged that the accused had repeatedly promised marriage and used that assurance to exploit her. When she realised she had been deceived, she informed her parents, leading to the police action.

This incident has caused widespread outrage in the coastal region, especially given the accused’s political connections. Local women’s rights organisations have demanded a strict investigation and exemplary punishment for the accused.

Police officials said they are verifying whether any other persons or lodge staff were aware of the girl’s age or involved in helping the accused. The fake Aadhaar card has been seized for forensic verification.

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