DG&IGP Lalrokhuma Pachuau on Thursday confirmed that there was no evidence of sexual assault on Nandita, a class 8 student from Thirthahalli, who died under mysterious circumstances. The 14-year-old girl was brought dead at Kasturba Medical College Hospital in Manipal, near Udupi, on October 31. 

“An FIR was lodged in Thirthahalli police station on November 1 and all investigation effort is being done by the police in proper perspective since the day the case was reported. A post-mortem has been conducted as per procedure at KMC, Manipal. As per the treating doctor’s opinion, death took place due to cardiac arrest. The treatment certificate issued on November 3 by KMC, Manipal, revealed intact hymen with no evidence of sexual assault,” Pachuau’s statement said, adding that a few suspected persons have been subjected to interrogation in connection with the case. 

Meanwhile, various organisations under Bangalore Malenadina Sanghagala Okkoota’ on Thursday held a protest at Freedom Park, demanding immediate arrest of the suspects in the mysterious death of Nandita. The police dispersed the protesters when they attempted to take out a silent march towards the chief minister's residence.

Normality returns

Normalcy returned to Thirthahalli town in Shimoga district on Thursday, after a spate of bandhs and violence   over the mysterious death of a 14-year-old girl. No untoward incident was reported from the town.

Schools and colleges which were closed down till November 5 following violent incidents, functioned as usual on Thursday. However, the prohibitory orders imposed by police under the section 144, within 5 km radius of the town, will remain in force till November 10.

Investigation expedited

The CID team has expedited the investigation into the case. The investigating officers reportedly visited the government high school where the girl was studying in Class VIII, and inquired teachers. Besides, they also interacted with the victim’s classmates.

George’s remarks

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday downplayed Home Minister K J George’s statement that media was highlighting only rape cases, and said that it was not proper to glorify such news.

Siddaramaiah said the government had taken rape cases seriously and tough measures had been taken in this regard. A CID probe has been ordered into the Thirthahalli rape case, he added.