Koppal police book murder victim and family under POCSO

Koppal police have registered a POCSO case against murder victim Gavisiddappa Nayak and his family, drawing widespread criticism from the Valmiki community and opposition parties, who allege political motivation and demand a central agency probe into the August 3 killing.

Koppal : The sensational murder case of 27-year-old Gavisiddappa Nayak has taken a controversial turn, with the Koppal police now registering a POCSO case against the slain youth and his family. The development has triggered widespread criticism, with community leaders and opposition parties accusing the police of targeting victims instead of ensuring justice.

Based on a complaint filed by the girl’s mother whose alleged relationship with Gavisiddappa was said to be at the root of the incident, the police have registered cases against the murdered youth, his father Ningajja Nayak, mother Devamma and sister Annapurna. This move has come just days after BJP leaders demanded that the investigation be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

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On August 3, Gavisiddappa was brutally hacked to death with a machete in front of a religious place of worship in Koppal’s Ward No. 3. The assailant, Sadiq, immediately surrendered to police. Four others were also arrested later in connection with the case. Initially, reports suggested the murder stemmed from an interfaith love affair. However, the Koppal SP later changed the narrative, claiming the youth had been harassing his ex-girlfriend, a statement that drew sharp objections from community members and opposition leaders.

The Valmiki community, to which the slain youth belonged, has strongly opposed the police’s handling of the case and demanded impartial justice. Former minister and senior BJP leader B. Sriramulu visited the victim’s family, extending condolences and assuring support. BJP State president B. Y. Vijayendra further accused the government of downplaying the case, demanding that central agencies like the NIA or CBI take over the probe.

Meanwhile, the girl’s mother, who earlier staged a protest claiming her daughter had no role in the murder, has now filed a complaint leading to the POCSO case. Valmiki community leaders say this sudden turn of events appears politically motivated and intended to deflect attention from the murder. The leaders alleged that the police were attempting to malign the victim’s family while shielding others.