Neighbour, 45, 'rapes' 5-year-old girl

A 45-year-old man has been arrested on the charge of sexually assaulting a four-year-old girl at Kodigehalli on Wednesday evening.

The suspect, Puttaraju, a daily wage labourer, was arrested on Thursday from Kollegal, his hometown, where he had gone into hiding. He has been booked for rape under section 376 of the IPC and under provisions of the Pocso Act.

According to the police, the victim’s mother, a widow, was washing clothes when Puttaraju, who stays in the same lane, asked to take her daughter out. When she agreed, he took her to a secluded place, sexually assaulted her, dropped her back and went away.

Hours later, the girl complained of stomach pain and began vomiting. The mother noticed some bruises and swelling on the girl’s private parts and grew suspicious. She took her to a hospital where doctors confirmed sexual assault after subjecting her to medical examination. The woman then lodged a complaint at the Tavarekere police station.