Mounesh Vishwakarma
Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal (SP)

Bantwal, Jul 12: A man who allegedly tried to rape a student, who was walking towards her home in a deserted place of Kadambu village in the taluk on Friday July 11, was beaten up black and blue by members of the public, after they came to know of his shameful behaviour. He was later handed over to the police station.

The accused is Sharif (24), a resident of Badanaje near Anilakatte in Kadambu. He does painting work of buildings for a living.

The girl in question is studying in a medical college. She was walking towards her home located at Anilakatte Bana near Vittal, when the youth, who approached her from behind, allegedly caught hold of her hand and pulled her towards him. He also tried without success to rape her.

It is learnt that the girl had visited a shop near Kadambu Daivasthana. On her way home, Sharif followed her. Desirous of encashing the opportunity provided by the loneliness of an area known as Bana, Shariff started putting questions to the student about her home, identity, where she had been, etc. The student gave evasive replies and expressed displeasure at his attempts to strike a conversation with her. Sharif, making use of the fact that the student was alone, dragged her by her hand. She instantly hit him with her umbrella and shouted for help. By the time some locals, who heard her shouts, came to the spot, Shariff took to his heels, sensing trouble. The people chased him, and assaulted him.

Vittal police sub-inspector, T R Raghavendra and staff, who were informed about the incident, came to the spot and took the accused into custody. It is learnt that Shariff, who is unmarried, had faced public wrath about two years ago in the region for chasing young ladies.