Man sexually assaulted minor girl under pretext of loan recovery
Karwar A shocking incident has been reported in Sirsi rural police station limits of Uttara Kannada district, where a 10-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted by a man identified as Mateen. The crime is said to have occurred when the accused visited the victim’s house to demand repayment of a loan taken by her father.
According to police sources, the father had borrowed money from a local association but failed to repay it. On the evening of November 19, Mateen went to their house to demand repayment. At that time, the young girl was playing alone at home. When she told him that no one else was present, the accused allegedly forced himself on her and committed the assault.
The girl’s mother lodged a complaint at Sirsi rural police station soon after learning about the incident. Police have registered a case and launched an intensive search for Mateen, who is currently absconding.
This case comes amid rising concerns over sexual offences in Uttara Kannada district. Statistics reveal that cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act have been steadily increasing. Between 2023 and 2025, more than 150 cases have come up for trial in child-friendly special courts. In Karwar jail alone, 58 convicts are serving life sentences under POCSO provisions. Alarmingly, a significant number of offenders are minors themselves, with 40 percent aged between 17 and 18, and nearly half between 19 and 25.
Authorities stress the urgent need for awareness programs at the primary education level to prevent such crimes. Parents, schools, and communities share responsibility in ensuring children’s safety. Police have assured that efforts are underway to trace the accused and bring him to justice, while the case highlights the growing challenge of child protection in the district.
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