Daijiworld Media Network - Beltangady (SP)
Beltangady, Aug 1: B J Thomas, driver of a Mahindra pick-up van who had dashed his vehicle against an auto rickshaw in which two sisters were proceeding to their home at Gandibagilu after arriving at Aniyoor in Neria by bus, was arrested by the police on the night of Monday July 30. Thomas had not only tried to rape the ladies, but also posed threats to their lives, it is said. On Tuesday, the court remanded him to 15 days judicial custody.
It is said that the accused was in the habit of harassing these ladies since long. He was pressurizing them to fall in love with him, besides making them calls over phone. Some reports claim that the brother of the accused also had been jailed in the past relating to raping of a girl.
Thomas was involved with several past cases. The police therefore are taking this case seriously. On the day of the incident itself, the locals had caught hold of Thomas but he had succeeded in giving them a slip, after which a protest was held.
Guided by district superintendent of police (SP), Dr Ravikanthe Gowda, additional SP, Sajith, and assistant superintendent of police, Hrishikesh, Dharmasthala station house officer, Avinash, and staff, under the leadership of circle inspector, Nagesh Kadri, had succeeded in arresting the accused the same night.
SP Dr Ravikanthe Gowda said that case under sections 354, 323, and 307 of Indian Penal Code has been registered against the arrested accused. He said that the vehicles involved with accident have also been taken into custody. As the accused was involved with several past cases, this case would be taken up seriously, and legal steps towards his externment would be initiated, he added.