Hubli (Karnataka): A 35-year-old man, accused of attempting to rape and subsequently murdering a 5-year-old girl, was killed in a police encounter in Hubli on Sunday night. The accused, identified as Ritesh from Bihar, was shot dead after he allegedly attacked police officers and attempted to flee. Three policemen, including a sub-inspector, were injured during the incident and are receiving treatment at Karnataka Medical College and Research Center.
The horrific crime occurred earlier on Sunday when Ritesh kidnapped the young girl from the courtyard of her home in Hubli. According to police reports, he took her to a shed in a deserted area and attempted to assault her. The girl’s screams alerted nearby residents, causing Ritesh to panic. In a brutal act, he strangled the child to death and fled the scene.
Hubli Police acted swiftly, apprehending Ritesh within hours. Hubli Police Commissioner Shashi Kumar stated, “The accused was taken to his residence for document and identity verification when he attacked the police team with stones and attempted to escape.”
Despite warning shots fired in the air, Ritesh continued to resist, prompting the police to fire two rounds, which left him critically injured. He was rushed to a local hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
Ritesh, who had been living in Hubli for the past three months, worked in construction and hotels. Originally from Bihar, he had been estranged from his family for several years. A police team has been dispatched to Patna to gather more information about his background, police said.
