K'taka sexual harassment case: Law graduate student alleges foul play, accused not held yet

by IANS |

Dakshina Kannada (Karnataka), Oct 26 (IANS) A case of sexual harassment filed by a law graduate student in Mangaluru city of Karnataka's Dakshina Kannada district took a new turn as activists and the victim suspect foul play in the probe by state police.

The victim and activists have questioned the police on its failure to arrest the accused, a senior advocate, even after more than a week of filing an FIR against him.

The victim has filed a case of sexual harassment against senior advocate K.S.N Rajesh Bhat. The police suspended two of its officials, including a female Sub-Inspector, for dereliction of duty in connection with the case and have arrested three persons.

Prasanna Ravi, a social activist, who is supporting the victim, said no action has been taken against the main accused in this case. The Police Commissioner has said a special team has been formed to investigate the case.

"It has come to our notice that the accused has applied for anticipatory bail in the case. Even then the police are not doing anything to arrest the accused," she added.

"The accused is absconding even after a week of filing a complaint. I have given an appeal to the Mangaluru Bar Council asking for their support. I request all of you to support me and the police to find the accused. I just want justice; I don't want anything else. I just want the accused to be arrested by the police," the victim said.

"The victim is a law student. If it is going to be so tough for her to deal with this case, imagine the plight of other victims. She is coming forward to speak as a law student. If she is not able to protect herself, how is she going to protect others and cooperate with investigating agencies," Activist Prasanna Ravi added.

The arrested persons have been released on bail. "The victim does not belong to the state and has come here only to study law. She should be protected. Even after a week, why was the accused not arrested yet," Ravi asked.

The accused advocate K.S.N Rajesh Bhat has been suspended from the membership of the Karnataka State Bar Council until further orders and he has been asked not to practice at the courts after the FIR was registered against him.

Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) authorities have directed the accused advocate not to continue as the ACB Special Public Prosecutor at Third Additional District and Sessions court.

Mangaluru Commissioner, N. Shashi Kumar had earlier said this is a serious case. Considering the sensitivity of the issue, to ensure transparency in the case he had appointed IPS officer Ranjith Bandaru as in-charge of the investigation. The accused will be arrested as per the due procedure. Investigation is on, he added.

Latest News
Sensex crosses 74K mark in 1000 points rally Thu, Mar 28, 2024, 03:42 PM
Man stabbed to death during fight over drinking water Thu, Mar 28, 2024, 03:41 PM
Actor Mukesh, BJP candidate Ashwini file nominations in Kerala Thu, Mar 28, 2024, 03:22 PM
Gillespie resigns from his role as South Australia, Adelaide strikers' head coach Thu, Mar 28, 2024, 03:15 PM
'No scope for individuality in party', Karnataka DyCM Shivakumar warns warring leaders Thu, Mar 28, 2024, 03:10 PM
Ukrainian FM arrives in India to build on talks between PM Modi, Volodymyr Zelenskyy Thu, Mar 28, 2024, 03:02 PM
Political conspiracy, claims Kejriwal while being taken to Rouse Avenue Court Thu, Mar 28, 2024, 02:47 PM
NXP Semiconductors unveils industry-first platform for software-defined vehicles Thu, Mar 28, 2024, 02:41 PM
CM Vijayan & CPI(M) tread cautiously after ED case against Veena Vijayan Thu, Mar 28, 2024, 02:37 PM
IPL 2024: 'They opened for Australia...', says Ganguly on DC's opting for Warner, Marsh as opening pair vs PBKS Thu, Mar 28, 2024, 02:28 PM
India's trade policy is calibrated with economic growth path: Piyush Goyal Thu, Mar 28, 2024, 02:17 PM
Holi brings cheer to UP excise dept as sales soar Thu, Mar 28, 2024, 02:11 PM
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann blessed with baby girl Thu, Mar 28, 2024, 02:10 PM
New AI tool can predict fatal heart rhythm with 80 pc accuracy Thu, Mar 28, 2024, 12:41 PM
IPL 2024: 'Perplexed, beyond my understanding', Smith, Pathan slam Hardik's tactics of using Bumrah vs SRH Thu, Mar 28, 2024, 12:27 PM