Neither kidnapped nor raped: Moral policing' drives Nandita to suicide?

Shivamogga, Nov 3: In a new twist to 14-year-old Nandita's death which triggered communal tensions in Thirthahalli town of Shivamogga district last week, police have confirmed that she was neither raped nor poisoned by the three men.

It has also come to light that it was the activists of Sangh Parivar who spread apparently false rumour of gang-rape and poisoning of the girl to mislead the media.

Earlier it was reported that the Class 8 student, who died on October 31 at a private hospital in Manipal, was abducted and raped by three men while she was waiting for bus to go to school on November 29.

However, post mortem report has now confirmed that the girl was not raped. Police also reiterated that the complaint lodged by girl's father Krishna Murthy also did not mention about rape.

Reliable sources said that Nandita might have consumed poison after being harassed by “moral police”, who noticed her talking to her male friend belonging to another community.

Police sources said that during investigation it was came to light that the girl herself boarded a car as the occupants were known to her and she was not forcefully pulled in to the car by unknown persons as claimed earlier.

She was later spotted talking with the boy at Anandagiri Hills near Thirthahalli. A few locals, apparently owning allegiance to Sangh Parivar, noticed the couple and took them to task. They also snatched the identity card of the girl to get her parents' address and phone number. Later they called her father to the spot and handed him over the girl.

It is believed that the girl might have consumed phenyl in the evening unable to bear the humiliation. When she started vomiting she was taken to a hospital. This gave an opportunity for miscreants to spread false rumours, sources said.

Even though Thirthahalli police have confirmed that the girl was not raped, they have registered cases against three persons based on her father's complaint. Ironically, the complaint has accused the three men of attempting to murder the girl.

Meanwhile, to maintain peace in Thirthahalli, where Sangh Parivar activists attacked few shops and destroyed vehicle belonging to another community, a peace meeting was held under the chairmanship of Shivamogga deputy commissioner.

As part of precautionary measures holiday has been declared Monday for all schools and colleges in Thirthahalli. Prohibitory orders under section 144 have been imposed in the town till November 10.

Minister for Primary and Secondary Education and Shivamogga district in-charge Kimmane Ratnakar has held anti-social and communal elements responsible for entire scenario.

He also urged the people not to pay heed to the false rumours being spread by a particular section of the society.