Auto-driver from Hassan arrested for sexually harassing woman in Kalladka
Bantwal: A woman alone at home was sexually harassed and received death threats from a man from Hassan at Bondala near Kalladka on Tuesday.
The accused, identified as Pramod, an auto-rickshaw driver from Belur in Hassan, had a prior acquaintance with the woman. The woman, originally from Belur, had recently moved to her husband's home in Amturu near Kalladka. Pramod had driven her to her parents' home a few times, during which he reportedly obtained her phone number.
Pramod began harassing the woman over the phone and had previously come to her husband's home in Kalladka to threaten her and vandalize property. Despite being warned off then, Pramod traveled to Bantwal again on Tuesday. After confirming the woman's husband was not at home, he barged in and attempted to sexually harass her.
The woman's husband, who was nearby at a temple, rushed home upon hearing her screams. Pramod verbally abused the woman and threatened to kill her, her husband, and their child.
Based on the woman's complaint, Bantwal Police arrested Pramod and presented him before the court. The case is under investigation.
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Lebanon appoints new representative for talks with Israel, rejects linkage to Iran
Beirut: Lebanon’s has moved to underline its independent position in ongoing regional developments, amid attempts to link the country to the broader conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
President Joseph Aoun, while announcing the appointment of former US ambassador Simon Karam as Lebanon’s representative in talks with Israel, made it clear that Karam would be the sole representative for Lebanon and that there would be no substitute.
The move comes in response to what the Lebanese officials see as efforts by Iran to tie Lebanon’s situation to the wider regional conflict. Iran had indicated that there would be no ceasefire involving the US, Israel and Iran unless it also included a ceasefire in Lebanon.
Some groups, including Hezbollah and its supporters, had expressed support for linking the situations, citing concerns that the Lebanese government has limited leverage in negotiations with Israel. Lebanon is not formally a party to the conflict, and its army is considered weak.
However, others, including Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, have opposed this approach. They view Iran’s stance as an attempt to influence Lebanon’s internal affairs and see it as undermining the country’s sovereignty.
Officials backing the government’s position say the move is aimed at reaffirming Lebanon’s sovereignty and ensuring that decisions about peace and ceasefire within the country are not dictated externally.
They also see it as a safeguard, so that any breakdown in talks between the US, Israel and Iran does not automatically lead to renewed conflict in Lebanon.
