Accused in Minor Girl’s Murder Shot Dead in Police Encounter Near Hubballi

Hubballi, April 13: The Hubballi police have encountered the prime accused in the kidnapping and murder of a five-year girl, accused Ritesh Kumar (35) was shot dead in a police encounter near the Tarihal underpass on the outskirts of Hubballi on Sunday.

Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar, addressing reporters, said the accused was being taken for a mahazar (spot inspection) when he attempted to flee custody and attacked police personnel. In response, PSI Annapurna of the Ashok Nagar Police Station initially fired three rounds into the air as a warning. However, as Kumar continued to flee, he was shot in the leg. A subsequent round struck his back, causing serious injuries.

Kumar was immediately rushed to KMC-RI Hospital for treatment, where doctors declared him brought dead, the Commissioner confirmed.

Ritesh Kumar, a native of Patna, Bihar, had allegedly lured the minor girl from the Vijayanagar area around 10:40 am under the pretext of offering her snacks. He then took her to a nearby shed, where he reportedly misbehaved with her before murdering her and fleeing the scene.

Local residents discovered the girl's body and alerted police. Kumar was later apprehended and handed over to the Ashok Nagar Police Station.

Police have launched a detailed investigation into the incident.

Joshi Condemns Heinous Crime, Urges Action Against Drug Menace

MLA Prasad Abbayya, MLC Saleem Ahmed inquiring about the health of the injured policeman at KMCRI Hospital in Hubballi

Hubballi, April 13: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi strongly condemned the kidnapping and murder of a minor girl in Hubballi, describing it as a "heinous and deeply shocking" crime.

Speaking to reporters after visiting the victim's family, Joshi expressed his anguish over the brutality of the incident. “Such incidents should have no place in our society,” he said, calling for stringent action to prevent such crimes in the future.

The minister also highlighted concerns regarding the possible influence of drugs in the case. “Some individuals who viewed the CCTV footage of the abduction suspect that the accused may have been under the influence of toxic substances,” he said. In response, Joshi urged Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar to launch a dedicated campaign to eradicate the drug menace from the city.

He further appealed to the state government to release immediate financial compensation to the bereaved family.

MLA Prasad Abbayya and MLC Saleem Ahmed also visited KMC-RI Hospital following the incident.