Karnataka Court Sentences Man To Life Imprisonment for Rape And Murder

A court in Karnataka has sentenced Mohammad Ashraf (33) from Manjeshwar to life imprisonment for the rape and murder of a woman in Balepuni, Dakshina Kannada district.

The judgment was delivered by Judge Kantaraju of the sixth additional district and sessions court, who ordered Ashraf to pay a fine of Rs 1 lakh.

The incident, as stated in the charge sheet, occurred on September 24, 2020. At the time, Ashraf was employed at the victim’s brother’s plantation.

Observing that the woman lived alone, he entered her house and locked the door. Ashraf forcibly assaulted and raped her, subsequently strangling her to death while she was unconscious. He then absconded with her jewelry and Rs 18,000 in cash. To eliminate evidence, he attempted to burn the victim’s body. The Konaje police conducted the investigation and filed the charge sheet in the case.