Karkala sexual assault case: Expanding drug network uncovered

Karkala: The investigation into the kidnap and sexual assault of a Hindu girl has revealed a broader drug network, according to Karkala town police.

The accused, Giriraju J (31) from Andhra Pradesh and John Noronha (30) from Shankarapura, previously worked together in Kuwait. Giriraju had contacted John asking about the availability of drugs.

Following John’s directions, Giriraju arrived in Udupi, where he was introduced to Shahid (39) from Karkala. Shahid had been attempting to source synthetic drugs locally for about a month without success. He then contacted Abhay (23), who had previously worked in Bengaluru and confirmed the availability of drugs there.

Shahid, along with Altaf and Abhay, traveled from Karkala to Bengaluru, where they purchased drugs from an unknown person and handed them over to Giriraju. The investigation revealed that the three accused earned a brokerage commission and brought some drugs back for Altaf.

Reportedly, these drugs were given to the girl on the day of the incident. The remaining drugs were seized from Altaf’s car, and MDMA drugs were also seized from Giriraju.

So far, five individuals have been arrested in connection with the case, while the person who supplied the drugs in Bengaluru is still at large.