The Karnataka police have arrested two men for drugging and raping a 21-year-old woman in Udupi district. One of the suspects had met the victim on Instagram.
The incident has taken communal overtones, with the opposition BJP alleging a “love jihad” conspiracy. The arrested have been identified as Altaf and Xavier Richard Cardoza, both residents of Karkala in Udupi district.
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According to police, Altaf and the 21-year-old woman, who worked at a private firm, had been communicating on Instagram for three months before the incident. On Friday, Altaf allegedly took her to a location under the pretense of showing her a piece of land, where two others were waiting.
The woman was reportedly given alcohol laced with drugs and was later raped. After she began to cry, Altaf drove her back home, police said. Following the woman’s complaint, the Karkala town police filed a case. By the time Altaf and Cardoza were arrested, the incident had sparked controversy, with BJP leaders and right-wing groups alleging a “love jihad” conspiracy.
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BJP General Secretary and Karkala MLA V. Sunil Kumar expressed concern, stating, “This is a concerning situation as Hindu girls are being targeted. Neither the state government nor the police are initiating strict action against the accused. It looks like it was well planned and the accused seemed to have no fear.”
In response, the Udupi District Muslim Forum condemned the incident and urged lawyers not to represent the accused. General Secretary Mohammed Shariff called the incident a disgrace to humanity and the community.
A police officer noted that Altaf is originally from North India.