Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (CLP)
Kundapur, Nov 10: The controversial elopement of a man and a married woman, belonging to different communities, at Amasebail took a new turn on Monday November 10 with the man and his family members themselves handing over the woman to the police.
A married woman named Madhura Hebbar, hailing from Shivamogga and residing at Amasebail, Kundapur had allegedly eloped with Sarfaraz, who reportedly promised her a luxurious life.
Madhura Hebbar was allegedly in an illicit relationship with Sarfaraj, owner of mobile shop at Amasabail and another shop at Siddapura. Sarfaraz had previously cheated two girls with false promises of marriage, allege the locals.
Madhura is the wife of Raghavendra Hebbar, owner of Ratteshwara Travels. After marriage, Madhura wanted to continue her studies and was allowed to do so. It is said that she came to know Sarfaraz during college and kept in touch with him through phone. Initially, she refused his company but later got carried away by the luxurious lifestyle he promised, sources said.
It is learnt from the neighbours that Raghavendra Hebbar never doubted her and gave her all freedom. She had even attended the wedding of Sarfaraz's sister recently, neighbours said.
The elopement had sparked protests from several local outfits who alleged that Sarfaraz had lured Madhura.
The Bolero belonging to Sarfaraz was found in Bhatkal area. They had both switched off their phones. Amasebail police tried their best to trace them but could not.
Finally, Sarfaraz's family members sought the intervention of former politician A G Kodgi and managed to bring the couple to his house. There, Madhura refused to return to her husband's house, after which she was handed over to women police and produced in court.
In the court she was called aside separately and told to record her statement. She reportedly said that she neither wanted to return to her husband's house nor stay with Sarfaraz. It was then decided to hand her over to her own family. It is learnt that as Raghavendra's family did not file any complaint against Sarfaraz, the police did not come forward to take action against him.
Further investigations are on.
Meanwhile, when the print and TV reporters approached the women police station of Amasebail regarding the incident, SI Ravi allegedly misbehaved with the media and refused to give information, and also threatened to file cases against the reporters. Circle inspector P M Divakar who accepted a verbal complaint from the media persons promised to take action against him. Vishwa Hindu Parishat, Bajrang Dal and BJP units of Kundapur area staged a protest at Shastri circle condemning the SI's behaviour.