Mon Sep 01 04:12:08 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text and a rewritten version as a news article:

**Summary:**

A 17-year-old boy in Bagalkot district, Karnataka, India, has been booked under the POCSO Act for allegedly raping a 16-year-old girl, resulting in her pregnancy. Both were students at a residential school. The Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR) is involved and is pushing for the boy to be tried as an adult, potentially setting a precedent. The case is under investigation.

**News Article:**

**Teenager Booked Under POCSO Act in Bagalkot, KSCPCR Seeks Adult Trial**

**Belagavi, September 1, 2025:** Police in Bagalkot, Karnataka, have booked a 17-year-old boy under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, following allegations of rape against a 16-year-old girl. The alleged offense reportedly occurred in June 2025 after the boy invited the girl to a family function.

Both individuals were students at a residential school in Bagalkot district. The girl is currently two months pregnant.

The Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR) has intervened, directing the district child welfare committee to ensure the girl receives necessary protection and care.

Shashidhar Kosambe, a member of the KSCPCR, stated that the commission will register a suo moto case regarding the incident. “I spoke to Bagalkot Superintendent of Police Siddarth Goel. I asked him to produce the accused and the girl before the Juvenile Justice board,” Kosambe said.

The KSCPCR is advocating for the boy to be tried as an adult, citing provisions within the Juvenile Justice Act that allow for individuals over 16 accused of crimes under POCSO to be tried in a normal court if the Juvenile Justice board deems they acted with knowledge and volition.

“We are trying to see that this case serves as a precedent,” Kosambe added.

Sub-inspector Mallikarjun Sattigoudar is leading the police investigation. The case highlights concerns regarding child safety within residential schools and the complexities of applying the Juvenile Justice Act in cases involving serious crimes.

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