Hubballi, Karnataka – January 4, 2026
In a harrowing incident that has sent shockwaves through Karnataka's Hubballi city, a 13-year-old girl was allegedly gang-raped by three teenage boys in an abandoned area near her locality on January 2. The accused, all minors aged 14 to 15 and residents of the same neighborhood, have been detained by the Hubballi-Dharwad police, who have invoked the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in the case.
According to police sources, the assault occurred while the victim's parents were away from home. The boys, comprising two high school students and one school dropout, lured the girl to the secluded spot, where they carried out the sexual assault. Reports indicate that the perpetrators recorded the act on their mobile phones and used the video to threaten the victim into silence, a tactic that delayed the complaint until the family learned of the trauma.
The girl's family promptly approached the authorities upon discovering the incident, leading to swift action by the local police. All three suspects were apprehended within hours of the FIR being registered at the Hubballi police station. "The accused have been detained, and the minor girl is under our protection," Hubballi-Dharwad Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar told reporters on Saturday. He added that investigators are seizing the boys' mobile devices to recover the incriminating footage and ascertain the full extent of the crime, with a thorough probe underway to uncover any additional involvement.
This case has reignited concerns over child safety in urban fringes of Karnataka, where isolated areas and peer pressure among minors have previously led to similar tragedies. Activists and local women's rights groups have called for enhanced counseling programs in schools and stricter monitoring of abandoned spaces to prevent such vulnerabilities. No official statements from the victim's family were immediately available, respecting their privacy during this ordeal.
The investigation remains ongoing, with the accused slated to appear before the Juvenile Justice Board. Authorities have assured the public of zero tolerance for such heinous acts, emphasizing community vigilance in protecting minors. Further updates are expected as forensic analysis of the evidence progresses.
This report is based on verified police statements and eyewitness accounts. For support in cases of sexual violence, contact Karnataka's Child Helpline at 1098.
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