34-year-old man arrested for sexual abuse and murder of minor in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: A 34-year-old man was arrested by the Magadi police in Ramanagara for allegedly kidnapping a minor girl, sexually assaulting her and then disposing of the body, officials said on Tuesday.

The arrested Irfan Khan is said to be a relative of the four-year-old.

According to police, Khan visited the minor’s house on Saturday and lured her on the pretext of buying her an ice cream. He then bought her an ice cream, took the girl with him and sexually abused her. Khan dumped the girl’s body near Tippagondanahalli Road in Magadi police station area.

While the girl’s mother searched for her until Saturday evening, her parents called Khan when they learned that she had last been seen with him. But Khan feigned ignorance and evaded their questions, then switched off his phone.

The Magadi police launched a manhunt for the girl and found her half-naked body near Tippagondanahalli. Khan was suspected to be involved in the kidnapping.

The CCTV footage and other technical clues led the police to arrest Khan from Kalasipalyam in Bengaluru on Monday evening.

Police said Khan – a resident of Kengeri who worked as a daily wage labourer – was a relative of the minor and frequently visited her at home. On Saturday, he casually visited her and took her with him. Khan also faces charges of pickpocketing.

The Magadi police have booked Khan for kidnapping and murder and have also invoked the Prevention of Sexual Assault on Children (Pocso) Act.

Following his arrest, residents of Magadi and members of the minor’s family launched a mass protest rally and demanded strict action against Khan.