Karnataka man who severed minor girl’s head arrested

MADIKERI (KARNATAKA): In a tragic turn of events, a 32-year-old man accused of brutally ending the life of a minor girl following the cancellation of their proposed marriage, was arrested on Saturday.

The suspect, identified as Prakash, was apprehended by authorities in connection with the heinous crime.

The incident, which sent shockwaves through the community, occurred in Surlabbi village, where the 16-year-old victim, identified as Meena, fell prey to a gruesome act of violence at the hands of her former suitor.

According to police reports, the sequence of events unfolded just two days after Meena had completed her SSLC exams and her engagement with Prakash was formally arranged.

However, intervention from officials of the Child Welfare Department, prompted by a tip to the Child Helpline, led to a counseling session with both families. Concerns were raised regarding the legal implications under the POCSO Act and Child Marriage Act, resulting in an agreement that marriage would only proceed once Meena reached the age of 18.

Despite this understanding, tragedy struck on Thursday around 5:30 pm when Prakash forcibly entered Meena’s residence, launching a violent assault on her family. Armed with a sharpedged weapon typically used for tree-cutting, he attacked her parents before dragging Meena outside. In a horrifying act, he severed her head from her body and fled the scene, leaving the family traumatized and the community in mourning.

Superintendent of Police (Kodagu), Ramarajan K, described the incident as “horrific” and confirmed that the victim’s parents were hospitalized for treatment of their injuries.