Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (SP)

Kundapur, Nov 28: An aggrieved woman complained to Kota police station on November 22, accusing secretary of Spoorthi Rural Development and Training Society functioning from Kedoor, Tekkatte in the taluk, and noted social activist, Keshav Koteshwar, of inflicting sexual harassment and mental torture on her. The police have since registered this case.

The accused allegedly cheated the woman, who was working as a member of the said society, to the tune of Rs 1.5 lac which was due to her in the form of salary. She says that when she enquired about the pending dues with Keshav, he sexually harassed her and tried to sexually use her. When she protested, he reportedly took away her scooter, gold bangles weighing 16 grams and a cheque of Rs 2,000 which she used to receive every month from a well-wisher who admired her services, forcibly.

When she raised this issue at the general body meeting of the society held on November 1 this year, Keshav Koteshwar allegedly asked the woman to tender her resignation and threatened her to walk out of the meeting. "He also pressurized me to sign some blank sheets of paper. Although I complained about the injustice I suffered to the president, vice president and directors of the society, they did nothing to support me. Therefore, I seek justice through you," the woman said in her complaint.

The victim has approached Radha Das, head of Mahila Santhwana Kendra in the town, seeking her help in getting justice. Das is now supporting the woman's fight for justice. Radha Das has demanded for the immediate arrest of the accused and steps to ensure justice to the aggrieved woman without buckling under any sort of pressure. Failing compliance, she has threatened to launch an agitation.