A man accused of the shocking kidnapping and murder of a five-year-old girl in Hubballi, Karnataka, was shot dead in a police encounter on Sunday. The accused, identified as 35-year-old Nitesh Kumar, reportedly attacked police officers while being apprehended, prompting them to open fire in self-defense.
According to Hubballi Dharwad Police Commissioner N Shashi Kumar, the encounter took place after Nitesh assaulted the police team and threw stones at them during the arrest. “One of the officers fired two rounds in response. The accused was taken to the hospital for treatment, where he was later declared dead,” Kumar stated.
The incident unfolded within the Ashok Nagar police station limits earlier on Sunday, when the young girl went missing and was later found dead in an abandoned building. The body was discovered in the bathroom of a small sheet-roofed structure, located near the residence where the child was last seen. She was rushed to the hospital but declared brought dead upon arrival.
The victim’s family is from Karnataka’s Koppal district. Her mother works as a housemaid and beauty parlor assistant, while her father is employed as a painter. The child had accompanied her mother to work when the accused allegedly lured her away.
While initial reports suggest the possibility of sexual assault, police have not confirmed it. Authorities stated that a medical examination is underway to determine the full details.
The horrifying crime sparked public outrage in the locality. A large crowd of residents gathered outside the Ashok Nagar police station, demanding swift justice for the victim and her grieving family.
Police investigations are ongoing, and further details are expected as forensic and medical reports are completed.
Sources By Agencies
