Gadag, August 15, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Karnataka Police have arrested seven people, including a doctor and a staff nurse, in connection with the alleged rape of a mentally challenged woman and the subsequent illegal termination of her pregnancy in Gadag district, officials said on Saturday.
The arrested persons have been identified as Sikandar Bepari, Shabbir Ahmad Langoti alias Joona Saab, Pradeep Navalekar, Bharat Koravara, Sandeep, Nagaraj Kamatara and Rekha Shirahatti.
According to police, Sikandar, Shabbir Ahmad, Pradeep and Bharat allegedly took the woman to an isolated place and sexually assaulted her repeatedly over a period of time.
The alleged crime came to light after the woman became pregnant and her family learned about the assault. Police said the accused allegedly threatened the family and attempted to settle the matter by offering money.
During the investigation, police found that an alleged abortion was subsequently arranged with the assistance of Nagaraj Kamatara, a medical practitioner from Bellatti village in Lakshmeshwara taluk, and Rekha Shirahatti, a staff nurse at Shigli Government Hospital. Police also alleged that Sandeep was involved in the process.
The woman was allegedly given 10 tablets to induce a miscarriage, following which the pregnancy was terminated, police said.
The victim’s family has further alleged that some local community leaders and an SDPI leader attempted to facilitate the abortion and protect the accused. Police said these allegations are being examined as part of the investigation.
Police are also searching for the owner of a medical shop who allegedly sold the abortion medication without a prescription.
Gadag Superintendent of Police Rohan Jagadish said no one involved in the case would be spared, regardless of their influence or position. He also warned that anyone attempting to broker a settlement between the victim’s family and the accused or suppress the case would face legal action.
The investigation is continuing, with police probing the possible involvement of other persons.
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