Street vendor allegedly attempts suicide after harassment by officers to build auto stand at Bondel
Vendors’ association demand police to take action
Mangaluru: In the backdrop of a suicide attempt by a flower vendor near Bondel Junction, after allegedly being harassed by City Corporation officers under the pretext of a project to construct an auto rickshaw stand, the Dakshina Kannada District Street Vendors’ Association (CITU) has strongly condemned the authorities and demanded strict action against the guilty officers.
The street vendor, identified as Shalini (38), has reportedly been selling flowers near the Junction for the last 13 years. She is being given intensive care at AJ Hospital in Mangaluru as her health condition is said to be critical.
The Association members have pointed out that the auto rickshaw stand was constructed illegally, using the MLC’s funds but without approval of the Corporation. The vendor had been selling flowers 50 metres away from the stand, strictly abiding by the rules for vendors. “In spite of this, Shalini was handled in an offensive manner, with some of the rickshaw drivers parking their vehicles to cause her inconvenience. She was not only issued threats using political influence, but her flower stocks were also destroyed,” they said, urging the police officers concerned to probe the matter and take immediate action on those who harassed Shalini.
Association Working President Sunil Kumar Bajal has also demanded a suspension of the Corporation officers who harassed the vendor with political power.
Honorary President BK Imtiyaz, who issued a joint press release, has called it unfortunate that a woman vendor was being harassed by the auto rickshaw drivers for than a month under influence of a leader of the ruling party. “There is sufficient space in the area for construction of an auto rickshaw stand. Also, it is illegal to construct an auto rickshaw stand without the consent of the Traffic Police and the City Corporation,” he pointed out and warned, “If the police fail to take action against the persons guilty of harassing Shalini, we will undertake a protest leading to Bondel.”
(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the state’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416.)
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Minor girl kidnapped and raped; main accused and two cafe owners held
Latur (PTI): A minor girl was allegedly kidnapped and raped by an 18-year-old man in Latur, leading to the arrest of the main accused and owners of two cafes where the crime occurred on December 4, police said on Saturday.
Police traced the girl within hours of registering the complaint. The accused, identified as Rihan Gulab Shaikh, was arrested based on the girl's complaint. Two others are owners of two cafes where the crime occurred, police said.
Police registered a case under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), POCSO Act, and the Prevention of Atrocities Act, an official said.
