New Delhi: A horrific incident has shaken Kodagu district, Karnataka, where a 16-year-old girl was brutally murdered by a man identified as Prakash. The crime, allegedly fueled by a thwarted marriage plan, has sparked outrage and demands for swift justice.Engagement cancelled to protect minorAccording to police reports, Prakash, aged 32, was engaged to the girl, Meena, on Thursday. However, upon learning of Meenas age – she had just completed her SSLC exams that year – authorities intervened. Acting on a tip-off likely from the Child Helpline, officials from the Child Welfare Department reached Meenas residence. They explained to both families that proceeding with the marriage would violate the POCSO Act and the Child Marriage Act.A class 10 girl was brutally murdered by 32 year old man Prakash in Kodagu District of Karnataka after marriage was called off. He dragged the victim out of her house and murdered the girl in front of her parents. The man cut off the victims head, threw away her body and flees… pic.twitter.com/MZp8TEAjX9— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) May 10, 2024Families agree to wait, tragedy strikesUnderstanding the legal implications, both families agreed to postpone the marriage until Meena reached adulthood. Officials then left the scene, along with Prakashs family. However, in a shocking turn of events, Prakash returned to Meenas house later that evening, around 5:30 pm. In a fit of rage, he reportedly assaulted Meenas parents – kicking her father and injuring her mother with a sharp weapon. He then dragged Meena outside, brutally beheaded her, and fled the scene with the head.Meena A 16-year-old tenth grade girl was brutally murdēred by Onkar appa a 32-year-old man in Kodagu, Karnataka.In the heinous incident, the man cut off the victims head and threw away her body.She had passed the SSLC examination and her school attained 100% results.… pic.twitter.com/yG4z1dhx7B— Gabbar (@Gabbar0099) May 10, 2024Police launch manhunt, community demands justiceThe horrific attack left Meenas parents traumatized. While her mother received medical treatment for her injuries, her father reportedly escaped any visible cuts. The police have registered a case against Prakash under Sections 302 (murder) and 307 (attempt to murder) of the Indian Penal Code, along with relevant sections of the POCSO Act. A manhunt is currently underway to apprehend the accused.Meanwhile, in latest development Karnataka police said that they have recovered the dead body of accused Prakash. Prima facie it appears that he has commited suicide.This senseless act of violence has sent shockwaves through the community. Residents are demanding swift action from the authorities to ensure justice for Meena and her family. The incident also raises crucial questions regarding the need for stricter enforcement of child marriage laws and support systems to prevent such tragedies.
