Kundapur: Man attempts to rape minor girl, locals threaten protest
Silvester D’Souza
Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur
Kundapur, Sep 10: A man who allegedly attempted to rape a minor girl is said to have gone absconding. The incident was reported from Hadlagadde at Toodalli.
The victim, a 13-year-old belonging to schedule tribe, is studying in class 8. When the girl was alone at home, Arun Narayan Poojary (26), resident of Toodalli, reportedly entered the house asking for a glass of water. He then asked the girl to prepare tea for him and when the girl was in kitchen, he attempted to rape her, states the complaint.
When she cried for help, the girl was beaten up by the man. When he was about to close the door, the girl managed to escape, said her mother.
The accused Arun Narayan Poojary is the son of a former president of the development committee in the school where the girl is studying. Locals said there are several cases lodged against Arun in the village.
The attempt to rape incident came to light after 10 days and when the case was registered. Arun was reportedly saved by a few people who claimed that he was absconding. A few political leaders are also trying to close the case, it is learnt.
Locals say that in Byndoor and Kundapur villages, many girls drop out from school after class 8, as their parents fear for their safety.
In this regard, D R Keshava Koteshwar, CEO of Spoorthi association has demanded strict action by the police in this case in order to build confidence among villagers.
"Whenever rape cases are reported in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and other places, people protest over here. But we keep quiet when such an incident takes place here. Hence all youth associations should raise voice against this evil," he said.
He said the accused should be arrested in the next 2 days, failing which a massive protest will be organized in Byndoor and Bhatkal.
A case has been registered in Bhatkal police station.