Mason held for Malur girl's 'rape' and murder

The Kolar police on Friday arrested a 25-year-old man in connection with the ‘rape’ and murder of a schoolgirl in Malur. The arrested has been identified as Suresh Babu alias Soori, a construction worker.

The girl was returning home on Wednesday (August 1) when Soori attacked her and attempted to drag her to a nearby eucalpytus grove. The girl’s friend, who was accompanying her was had ran away from the spot, the police said. The incident had sparked widespread public outrage. The police made the arrest within 48 hours of the crime.

Soori, who hails from Tekal in Malur taluk, told the police that he was in love with the girl who was studying in Class IX. He was working as a mason at a building near the house of the girl and had been watching her movements. “The accused had followed the girl to know about the route she takes to the school and returns home. He had waited for her for hours together on the day of the incident,” Superintendent of Police Rohini Katoch Sepat said.

The SP added that the accused dragged her to a nearby eucalyptus grove and tried to rape her. When the girl raised the alarm, the accused bludgeoned her to death fearing that she would inform the police. A couple who were going by a bike on the route, saw Soori and attempted to catch him, but he gave a slip, the police said.

Meanwhile, a large number of students staged a protest at Mysuru Bank Circle, Bengaluru, demanding justice for the girl.