Mentally challenged tribal woman allegedly raped; Kerala worker arrested in Hunsur

Mangalore Today News Network

Mysuru, Sep 16, 2026: Hunsur Rural Police have arrested a worker from Kerala for allegedly raping a mentally challenged tribal woman belonging to the Jenu Kuruba community at a ginger plantation on September 12.

According to police, the accused allegedly took the woman to a shed near the farmland at around 5.30 pm and sexually assaulted her. People working at a nearby farmland reportedly intervened and rescued her.

The incident was initially not reported to the police, as villagers reportedly attempted to settle the matter through a village panchayat. The accused was allegedly directed to offer a penalty, locally referred to as thappu kaanike, to a temple.

Following the intervention of social activists, police visited the spot and registered a case under relevant sections of the law, including provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

The accused was subsequently arrested on Monday and produced before the authorities for further legal proceedings.