Bengaluru: Man rapes 7-year-old mentally ill minor

Bengaluru: The HAL police have arrested a 48-year-old daily wage worker for allegedly raping a seven-year-old mentally challenged girl after barging into her house. The accused has been identified as Shivappa, a mason and a native of Yadgir. He was staying next to the victim's house in HAL. The victim is currently undergoing treatment at a government hospital. The police said the victim is mentally challenged and her mother is a domestic help, while her father is a cab driver.  According to the police, the incident took place on Monday when Shivappa after returning home for lunch, noticed that she was all alone, and her parents were away at work. He entered her house in pretext of asking for her father and got into a conversation with her. He then closed the door and raped her. The incident came to light when her mother returned home and caught him with the girl. As soon as she raised an alarm, he escaped. She immediately filed a complaint with the HAL police who have arrested him under Indian Penal Code (IPC) 376 rape and POCSO. He has been produced before the court and is currently in judicial custody.