Chikmagalur: An FIR has been registered at the Sringeri police station against the accused involved in the sexual assault of a 15-year-old girl working in a crusher in the Chikmagalur district. A case has been registered against the child’s aunt, and 17 individuals, who have been identified as Sangh Parivar members and BJP activists. So far, the police has arrested seven individuals

The 15-year-old girl from Shiggaon in Haveri district had recently come to work at a crusher in Gochchuvalli village near Kunchebailu in Sringeri taluk, under the guardianship of her mother’s sister. At this time, a worker had trapped and sexually abused the minor. It is learned that his friends have also participated in sexually assaulting the child.

The victimized child was rescued by the District Child Welfare Committee Chairman Subramanya, who registered a complaint with the Sringeri police.

It is learned that when a complaint about child labour in the Crusher was being reviewed by the Child welfare committee, the sexual abuse against the minor came to light. The victim has issued a statement in this regard. She has revealed the names of 15 of her abusers. The girl also revealed in her statement that her aunt had cooperated with the accused to continue her abuse.

Abhi, a resident of Kikre Village in Sringeri Taluk, Rajesh, Amit, Girish, residents of Aanegundi, Manikantha, Vikas, Nemmar Sampath, residents of Holekoppa village, Narayana Gowda, Ashwathagowda, Abhigowda, Kurubagere Santosh, Heghadegaye Deekshith, residents of Sringeri, Santosh from Heroor, Niranjan from Kigga, Bus driver named Khandya Yogesh, have been named in the FIR registered by the victim. The Crusher owner has also been booked for child labour. A complaint has also been lodged against the girl’s aunt who cooperated with the abusers.

Many of the accused were identified as those involved with the Sangh Parivar. The main accused in the case, Abhi, is known for his affiliations with the Sangh Parivar, another accused identified as Manikantha is a member of Sringeri taluk BJP Yuvamorcha. The accused named Vikas is a relative of BJP District Panchayat member, whereas accused Sampath is a member of Sanathan Sanstha. The photos of the accused standing alongside Sangha Parivar leaders, participating in events have gone viral on social media sites.