Jobaaj Stories
5-Year-Old Girl Abducted and Killed in Hubballi, India; Suspect Shot Dead During Escape Attempt
A heartbreaking crime has left the residents of Hubballi, Karnataka, in shock after a 5-year-old girl was found murdered. The suspect, a 35-year-old man identified as Ritesh Kumar, was later shot dead by police during an attempted escape. The case has sparked strong public anger and calls for stronger action to protect children.
How the Tragedy Unfolded
The young girl, a kindergartener, had been playing outside her house in the Ashok Nagar neighborhood of Hubballi on the afternoon of Sunday, April 7, when she went missing. Her worried family began searching and later alerted the police.
Security camera footage from nearby homes showed a man, later identified as Ritesh Kumar, walking with the child. Police used this footage along with input from local residents to track him down.
By the time officers located the man, the child’s body had already been found in an abandoned shed near the area. She had reportedly suffered injuries to her head and neck. Police suspect she may have been sexually assaulted, but the exact cause of death is still being investigated, and a postmortem report is awaited.
The Suspect: Who Was He?
Ritesh Kumar, originally from Bihar, was working as a laborer in Hubballi. He had been living in the same neighborhood where the girl and her family lived. According to officials, Kumar had been observing the girl and may have planned the abduction in advance. Reports suggest that he offered her snacks or sweets to lure her away from her home.
He was known to locals as a quiet man but had no previous criminal record in the area. Police are checking if he was involved in similar crimes elsewhere.
Police Confrontation and Encounter
Kumar was located by police on the same evening the body was discovered. When officers attempted to arrest him, he allegedly picked up a stone and struck one of the officers in the face. The injured officer suffered a serious facial wound.
Despite being warned, Kumar ran toward a wooded area. Police fired a warning shot into the air, but he kept running. Officers then fired at his leg to stop him. He was injured and taken to the hospital, but he died during treatment.
The officer who was attacked was also hospitalized and is recovering. Police stated that the encounter followed protocol and was carried out because the suspect posed a threat to officers.
Public Anger and Political Response
The case has triggered public outrage across Karnataka. A crowd gathered at the Ashok Nagar police station demanding immediate justice for the young girl. People lit candles, shouted slogans, and held placards calling for stronger punishments for crimes against children.
Union Minister and Dharwad MP Pralhad Joshi visited the girl’s family and condemned the brutal crime. He praised the police for their swift action and urged lawmakers to consider stricter legal protections for children.
He also emphasized the need for awareness programs in schools and communities to teach children how to stay safe and avoid potential threats.
What’s Next?
Police say they are now waiting for the postmortem report to confirm the exact cause of death. A thorough investigation is underway to understand if the accused had help or any history of committing similar crimes elsewhere.
Officials are also reviewing security measures in the area and urging residents to be more vigilant, especially when it comes to children playing outside.
The girl’s family, meanwhile, is grieving the sudden loss of their child. Supporters have started a small fund to help them during this difficult time.
