Belagavi: Police have arrested two persons in connection with the gangrape of two minors s in the Harugeri police station limits of Raibag taluk while a search is on to apprehend another accused.

The arrested are identified Abhishek Devanur and Adil Shah, while the third accused, Kauthub Babusab Badiger, is on the run. All the accused have been booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, said Superintendent of Police Dr. Bhimashankar Guleda.

Both victims are Pre-University College students. Police investigations reveal that Abhishek befriended one of the girls on Instagram and subsequently met her in person at the Kokatanur fair in Athani taluk on January 3.

During their second meeting, Abhishek invited the girl to visit the Yallamma temple in Savadatti, where she brought along her friend. Abhishek was accompanied by his friends Adil and Kauthub. The group traveled to the temple in a car, where the alleged crime occurred.

The accused recorded mobile footage to blackmail the victims. They reportedly threatened to release the videos on social media if the victims refused their demands, even compelling them to agree to a trip to Goa.

Fearing further exploitation, the victims finally gathered courage and lodged a complaint at Harugeri police station on January 13.