Allegations of Sexual Assault on Mentally Challenged Woman in Karnataka

A troubling case has emerged from Gadag district in Karnataka, where a mentally challenged young woman has allegedly been sexually assaulted by a man named Durgappa. The victim's mother filed a complaint after discovering her daughter was six months pregnant. The police have launched an investigation, revealing that the accused may have recorded the assaults. This incident is part of a disturbing trend of violence against vulnerable individuals in the region, with previous cases highlighting systemic issues. The community's response has been one of outrage, prompting calls for justice and better protection for those with disabilities.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 10, 2026, 14:19 IST

Incident Reported in Gadag District

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Gadag, July 9: A disturbing case of alleged sexual assault involving a mentally challenged young woman has emerged from Arahunasi village in the Rona taluk of Karnataka's Gadag district. The police have initiated a case against a man following a complaint filed by the victim's mother.

The complaint states that the accused, named Durgappa, reportedly enticed the young woman with chocolates and snacks before subjecting her to repeated sexual assaults over a prolonged period. The situation was uncovered when it was discovered that the victim was approximately six months pregnant.

Authorities were alerted after the victim's mother learned of the situation and filed a report against the accused. Local youths also played a role in bringing the matter to light by notifying the relevant department upon discovering the alleged abuse.

Initial investigations indicate that the accused may have recorded videos of the assaults on his mobile device. The case gained attention when one of these videos was shared, leading local residents to contact the authorities.

On July 6, the victim underwent a medical examination at the Gadag Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS) Hospital. The police have officially registered the case and are actively investigating the claims.

Ongoing investigations aim to clarify the details surrounding the incident and confirm the allegations, particularly regarding the distribution of the video.

This incident follows a troubling pattern in the region. In 2025, three men were arrested for the gang rape of a mentally challenged woman, with the assault recorded and shared with the victim's brother, igniting public outrage and protests.

In 2021, an unidentified individual raped a mentally challenged woman in the destitute ward of K.R. Hospital in Mysuru, leading to her transfer to Cheluvamba Hospital for specialized care and prompting an investigation into the facility's security measures.

In a separate case from 2017, an Assistant Sub-Inspector and a driver were apprehended after a police officer, under the guise of providing a ride home, raped a 32-year-old mentally challenged woman in a moving vehicle. The ASI was later convicted and sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Additionally, in 2019, a 25-year-old woman with mental disabilities was raped at home while her family attended a local temple fair. The police swiftly arrested the perpetrator, using forensic evidence to secure a conviction.