Kasaragod: Two convicted in minor girl kidnap, sexual assault and robbery case

Kasaragod: Two convicted in minor girl kidnap, sexual assault and robbery case

Mangalore Today News Network

Kasaragod, Aug 25, 2025: The Hosdurg POCSO Court on Saturday convicted two accused in the case of kidnapping a 10-year-old girl, subjecting her to sexual assault, and robbing her gold earrings within the Hosdurg police station limits. The quantum of punishment will be announced on Monday.

The convicts are Salam (39) of Napoklu, Madikeri, and his sister Suhaiba (21). Salam, who had been absconding, was arrested by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) from Andhra Pradesh on May 24. Suhaiba was charged with selling the minor’s gold ornaments.

The incident took place on May 15, 2024, when the child was abducted from her house in Padanakkad while asleep. The accused stole her earrings and abandoned her about one kilometre away. Medical reports later confirmed sexual assault. The girl, who managed to reach a nearby house and inform the residents, revealed the crime after being questioned by her family.

Taking the case seriously, the police handed over the investigation to a 20-member SIT. During trial, 62 witnesses were examined. The team was led by North Zone DySPs Latheesh, C.K. Sunil Kumar and P. Balakrishnan Nair, with Circle Inspector M.P. Ajeed, Sub-Inspectors Akhil and M.T.P. Saifuddin, under the overall supervision of District Police Chief P. Bijoy and North Zone SI Thomson Jose.

The investigation revealed that Salam avoided using his own mobile phone, instead contacting family members through another person’s phone. By tracking this number and analysing CCTV footage from the day of the incident, the police were able to confirm his movements and identify him as the perpetrator.