Raichur, 21 August

A 21-year-old woman was found murdered in Hokrani village of Sirwar taluk in Raichur district. Sirwar police have arrested three persons in connection with the case on Thursday. It is suspected to be a case of gang-rape and murder.

The victim, a BA graduate, had gone out of her house on Wednesday evening around 6.30pm towards the open land near Beerappa Temple. When she did not return even after nightfall, her family searched the village and lodged a complaint.

On Thursday morning, her body was found in an open well at Doddala villagewell. According to the complaint filed by her father, Thimmareddy, the body was found floating face-down without clothes.

Based on the complaint, police have registered a case against four persons – Gundya Ramanna, 22, Mahantesh Huligeppa, 22, Veeresh Rajappa, 23, and Basavaraj Mahadeva, 45.

Police said three accused have been arrested. Rajappa is absconding and a search is on.

The complaint states that some girls who had gone to the same area had seen a few men gagging someone near the temple. The family found the victim's slippers and water pot at the spot. They have alleged that the accused kidnapped, sexually assaulted and murdered her to destroy evidence and threw the body into the well.

Senior officers including Ballari Zone IGP PS Harsha, Deputy Commissioner Poovita, SP Arunangshu Giri and Additional Deputy Commissioner Shivanand Bhajantri visited the spot and inspected it.

Further investigation is underway.