HASSAN: A 17-year-old boy has been taken into custody by the Javagal police for allegedly raping and brutally murdering their domestic help at a village in Arasikere taluk. The deceased was identified as Meenakshamma (43). The police are conducting further questioning of the youth.
Narayan, a resident of the village, had adopted the young boy 17 years ago, and Meenakshamma, a neighbour who worked as a domestic help at Narayan’s house, had tended to the boy over all these years. Meenakshamma had separated from her husband and was living with her son and daughter-in-law while working as a labourer.
Around 7.30 am on Monday, Meenakshamma had set out on a trail to purchase rice when she was accosted by the minor boy at a deserted spot. The youth dragged her to a small shed where he raped her and fearing that the incident may come to light, he killed her by smashing her head with a stone. He then hit her with a log and dumped the body under a tamarid tree on a farm belonging to one Pavan. He also took away her phone and inserted his SIM card into into, Police Superintendent Mohammed Sujeetha told mediapersons.
When Pavan visited his farm that afternoon, he found Meenakshamma’s body and immediately informed the police and the villagers. On Tuesday, Meenakshamma’s son lodged a complaint with the police, suspecting the youth’s involvement.
The police traced the youth based on his mobile phone tower location and took him into custody for questioning when he admitted to the crime. It was also revealed that he was using the victim’s phone and had earlier called her five times before killing her, the SP said.
The villagers say that the youth, who is in conflict with the law, was teasing girls and women and have demanded strict action against him. The Javagal police are conducting further investigation.
