Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SP)
Udupi, Jul 11: Two Mescom linemen, who reportedly tried to rape a 16-year-old girl when she was returning home from school on Wednesday July 9, were arrested by Padubidri police.
The accused, Surendra Devadiga (29), belongs to Nandikoor near Padubidri, while Raviraj Kulall (32) hails from Brahmavar in Udupi taluk.
It is said that Devadiga, who was on duty at the time, forced himself on the girl, who was returning home alone after school hours. Raviraj had faced similar allegations when working in Brahmavar, and had been suspended for sometime before being transferred to Padubidri, it is learnt. He now faces charges of abetment of crime.
The girl said Surendra Devadiga followed her for some distance, after which he wanted to know her name. Immediately thereafter, he held her hand, and tried to force her behind a bush by joining her inside the umbrella she was holding. A local farmer noticed this shameless act and came to the girl's rescue.
Once the girl reached home and narrated to the family what had happened, her father, accompanied her to the spot and questioned the accused. Raviraj Kulal, who was with Devadiga at the time, reportedly spoke arrogantly with the duo and warned of serious repercussions if they choose to approach the police.
A case under different sections of the act relating to rape attempt as well as sexual harassment of minor girls was registered in Padubidri station on Thursday July 10.