Padubidri: Two MESCOM linemen have landed behind bars for trying to molest a minor girl, a college student at Padubidri.
The accused are Surendra (31) of Nandikur and Raviraj (32) of Brahmavar. It is learnt, Surendra was a temporary worker with Padubidri MESCOM, while Raviraj was a permanent employee.
The incident is learnt to have taken place on Wednesday July 9 at around 4 pm when the girl was heading home from college with her umbrella open as it was drizzling. The accused who were engaged in some repair work, saw the girl and Surendra intercepted her and asked her name. The girl ignored them and moved ahead. Taking advantage of the isolated area, Surendra walked along with the girl under the umbrella and began to molest her. It is said even Raviraj encouraged him. The girl was lucky enough to escape from their clutches. She rushed home and informed her parents.
On the other hand the two linemen were at work as earlier after the incident. When the girl’s parents pulled them up, they rebuked them and warned against lodging a complaint . The poor parents of the girl, met the college principal the next day and with his help lodged a complaint.
The girl gave a written complaint by evening and the two were arrested by the Padubidri inspector Azmat Ali in a swift operation.
Both have been booked for attempting to outrage the modesty of a minor.
The incident has led to furore in the area and public want stern action against the accused duo.