Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal (SP)

Bantwal, Jun 1: An auto rickshaw driver was arrested for forcing a minor girl to get seated in his vehicle and then sexually harassing her. The accused in this case was Ashraf (32) from Kambalabettu, Vittal. The incident happened a few days back.

The 13-year-old victim in question had been sent by her mother to bring some provisions. On her return home with the items bought, Ashraf, who came that way in his auto rickshaw, asked the girl to board his vehicle, duly promising to drop her home. Although the girl refused, Ashraf reportedly forced her to be seated in his three-wheeler. After that, he sexually harassed the girl in spite of her resistance.

The girl, a ninth standard student, had concealed this incident from her parents. However, the family members observed that she had lost interest in going downtown. Even after the school reopened she was disinclined to go on the road leading to her school. When pressurized, she shed tears, saying that she would not attend school.

The parents encouraged the girl to come out with her feelings, at which she explained about the harassment she faced at the hands of the said auto driver. The family belongs to a religion other than to which the auto driver belongs, it is said.

The parents then filed a complaint at Vittal police station. The police registered a case under Protection of Children. Ashraf was arrested and produced in court on Wednesday after which he was remanded to judicial custody.