Three arrested for gang-rape

By Sumesh Rajan | April 20, 2025

 

MANGALURU, INDIA — On April 18, 2025, police in Karnataka arrested three men in connection with the alleged gang-rape of a 20-year-old woman in Kallapu, a remote locality on the outskirts of Mangaluru. The accused include an auto-rickshaw driver and two others who reportedly lured the woman to an abandoned building before sexually assaulting her.

According to Commissioner of Police Anupam Agarwal, the survivor, originally from Cooch Behar in West Bengal, had been residing in Uppala, Kerala, and was employed at a local plywood factory for the past two years. She arrived in Mangaluru on April 16 with a friend in search of better employment opportunities. The two had taken a rented accommodation, but a dispute erupted between them on the evening of April 17, prompting the woman to leave the premises.

With her mobile phone damaged during the altercation, she sought to get it repaired. She hailed an auto-rickshaw driven by Prabhuraj Pujari (38) of Mulki, who allegedly offered assistance and paid for the phone repair at a local service shop. Gaining her trust, he then contacted two of his acquaintances.

Later that evening, Pujari, along with Mithun Naik (30), an electrician from Kumpala, and Mani Kanta (30), a delivery agent in Mangaluru, allegedly took the woman to a deserted, dilapidated structure in Kallapu. There, they reportedly forced her to consume alcohol before sexually assaulting her.

At approximately 12:30 am on April 18, the injured woman managed to escape and sought refuge at a nearby residence. The homeowner, noticing her injuries, immediately contacted emergency services, prompting swift police intervention.

Investigators used CCTV footage from the vicinity to identify the auto-rickshaw’s registration number. Forensic analysis of the woman’s mobile phone further confirmed a ₹60 digital payment made to the auto driver — solidifying his involvement. Prabhuraj Pujari was arrested the same day, and during interrogation, he disclosed the names of his accomplices. All three suspects later confessed to the crime, according to the police.

The trio has been booked under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) related to sexual assault, unlawful confinement, and criminal conspiracy. The case is currently under active investigation.

The survivor is receiving medical attention and psychological support.