Belagavi, Karnataka – A man from Mahalingpur, Bagalkot district, has been arrested in connection with a 2023 sexual assault case involving a five-year-old girl, following a viral video and a formal complaint by the District Child Protection Unit.
According to Dr. Bheemashankar Guled, Superintendent of Police, the accused Tufail Ahmad Dadaphir was taken into custody on Tuesday night. The arrest was prompted by a video shared by activist Puneeth Kerehalli, which allegedly showed disturbing content involving the minor.
How the Case Unfolded
The video, which included audio and visuals of a man lying beside a child, was flagged by cybercrime authorities. Based on the location seen in the footage, police began an investigation and alerted the Muragoda Police Station.
The incident reportedly occurred on October 5, 2023, near a mosque in Belagavi. The accused had arrived from Mahalingpur the previous day and was staying at a relative’s house when the crime took place.
Initially, the victim’s family chose not to file a complaint. However, after the video went viral, the District Child Protection Unit intervened and filed a formal complaint, leading to the arrest.
About the Accused
Contrary to rumors, the accused is not a religious cleric. He was previously employed as a welder and occasionally gave speeches at mosques during periods of unemployment.
