Drugs played a role in Katipalla minor rape and suicide case: Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Jun 26, 2026: Drugs also played a role in the case involving the alleged rape of a minor girl in Katipalla under the Surathkal Police Station limits, who later became pregnant and died by suicide, Mangaluru Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy said on Friday.

Speaking at the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking programme, organised by the Mangaluru City Police in association with Yenepoya Deemed-to-be University at Mangaluru Town Hall, the Commissioner said the deceased was a member of a music performance troupe, where she came into contact with individuals addicted to drugs.

According to him, a young man from the troupe allegedly exploited the girl, resulting in her pregnancy. He said the tragedy could have been prevented if the girl’s parents had been more vigilant and if the minor had been more aware of the risks.

Commissioner Reddy stressed that building a drug-free society requires collective effort. He noted that only a few colleges have come forward to conduct drug screening and urged all educational institutions to participate in the initiative. With the cooperation of colleges, parents, and the public, he said, drug-free campuses could be achieved within the next couple of years.

He also appealed to parents to remain vigilant about their children’s activities and peer groups to help prevent such incidents.