JOIN USA Manipal University student was gang-raped around 11:30 pm on Thursday. The incident has sent shockwaves across Manipal as no such crime has been reported in the education hub in the past.
The incident occurred when the victim, a fourth year MBBS student, was walking to her apartment from the university library. Three persons, including an auto driver, dragged her into an autorickshaw, took her to a secluded place and raped her. The miscreants later dropped her back and fled the scene. She managed to reach her apartment with difficulty. Her roommates immediately took her to Kasturba Medical College Hospital (KMC).
Superintendent of Police (SP) Dr Boralingaiah said the victim hails from Thrissur in Kerala. She sustained a fracture in her leg and is recuperating in the Intensive Care Unit of KMC. “Though the victim is out of danger, she is petrified and under shock and is not able to reveal anything,” he said.
Quoting doctors, the SP said rape has been confirmed, but police are yet to receive the medical report.
He said though the accused could not be identified, the police suspect involvement of local people. Boralingaiah added that the injuries on the victim’s body suggest that she might have been taken to some slippery area and raped.
Incidentally, the spot where the victim was dragged into the autorickshaw has enough lights and is very close to her apartment. The distance between the university library and her apartment is less than half a kilometre. No arrests have been made so far, Boralingaiah said.
Manipal University had started patrolling in association with the police a few months ago. Though the incident occurred in the heart of the campus, CCTV cameras have failed to provide any footage. In-charge IGP Abhishek Goyal has visited the spot. MLA Pramodh Madhwaraj said he would hold talks with the home minister over the incident.
There are nearly 20 auto stands in Manipal and around 800 auto drivers. He appealed the auto drivers to pass on any information they have on the incident. The university has lodged a complaint in the Manipal police station. As the news of the incident spread, a large number of students staged a protest on the campus on Friday night.Speaking to Deccan Herald, one of the victim’s classmates said she was good in studies, a good singer and a hard worker. She added that they had an exam on Friday and the victim was studying.
Home Minister K J George said a special team of police officers has been formed to investigate the case. “It is a gruesome incident and I condemn it. Strict action will be taken against those involved,” he said.