India: Man accused of kidnapping, murdering 5-year-old girl in Karnataka killed in encounter

A man accused of kidnapping and murdering a five-year-old girl in Hubballi, Karnataka, was shot dead in a police encounter, according to media reports. One police officer was injured during the operation.

Hubballi Police Chief Shashi Kumar told reporters that the accused, 35-year-old Nitesh Kumar, attacked a police team after his apprehension. "Nitesh Kumar's hometown is Patna in Bihar. The police team was taking him to his place of stay to ascertain his identity when he attacked the team," Shashi Kumar said.

Despite a warning shot being fired, Kumar allegedly attempted to flee. "Meanwhile one of the police officers fired in the air, but he tried to escape. Two more rounds were fired at him. He was immediately taken to hospital, where the doctors declared him brought dead," the Hubballi police chief added.

The accused also faced charges of rape along with murder under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Earlier reports detailed the horrific incident that came to light on Sunday within the jurisdiction of the Ashokanagar police station in Hubballi. According to the police, the accused allegedly took the girl to a shed and attempted to sexually assault her. When the child screamed for help, locals rushed towards the location. Upon noticing the approaching people, the accused allegedly strangled the girl to death and managed to escape.

Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar had stated on Sunday that the girl's parents were from Koppal, with her father working as a painter and her mother as a maid.

The mother had reportedly taken the victim with her to work, and the accused allegedly abducted the girl while she was working. The girl's body was later discovered in a shed. While a complaint was filed regarding the assault, authorities indicated that a medical examination would determine if a sexual assault had occurred.

Following the discovery, the girl's parents staged a protest demanding strict action against the perpetrator. Police Commissioner Shashikumar assured the protestors that stringent measures would be taken, and preliminary investigations had suggested the accused was from Bihar, leading to a police hunt.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi condemned the incident, stating, "The government should focus on the law and order system in the state. Strict action should be initiated... Preventive measures will have to be taken, and the guilty must be punished without any mercy."