Come clean in full blown trial: HC tells M'luru lawyer accused of sexually harassing law student
Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court has dismissed the appeal petition filed by senior advocate K.S.N. Rajesh Bhat, who sought to quash the sexual harassment case filed against him by a law student. The petition requested the quashing of case filed at the Mangaluru Women’s Police station and the ongoing criminal proceedings in the third JMFC court.
The bench, led by Justice M. Nagaprasanna, made the ruling on Tuesday after considering the statements of the victim and the arguments put forth by the petitioner. The court emphasized that intervening in the matter would undermine the gravity of such horrific acts perpetrated against interns in advocate offices.
The bench expressed concern about the chilling effect such incidents could have on the legal profession, particularly when young, aspiring law students join as interns. It stated that it is the accused's responsibility to prove his innocence through a proper trial.
The accused, who held a position of trust and authority akin to that of a teacher, faces allegations under Section 376(2)(F) of the Indian Penal Code. The court determined that further investigation is necessary, considering the provided CCTV footage and other evidence related to the case.
The complainant, a second-year law student, had joined the accused's office as an intern in August 2021 and received a stipend of Rs 6,000. The allegations against the senior advocate include sending private videos to the student's mobile, monitoring her movements through office CCTV cameras, and forcibly pulling her into his cabin on September 25, 2021, during non-working hours.
Additional allegations involve inappropriate behavior and sexual harassment. The victim managed to escape the office and immediately confronted the senior advocate. She reported that the accused had threatened to harm her if she lodged a complaint against him.
Following the incident, the victim approached the person who referred her to the accused's office as well as the accused's wife. Subsequently, she filed a police complaint, leading to a prolonged search for the accused. Eventually, he surrendered at a local court in Mangaluru, Karnataka, after evading authorities for an extended period.
In connection with the case, the police department suspended two officers, including a woman sub-inspector, for dereliction of duty. Furthermore, three individuals were arrested, and lookout notices were issued at all airports to prevent the accused from fleeing the country.
Bank accounts belonging to the accused and other individuals involved were frozen, and Rajesh Bhat's membership with the Karnataka State Bar Council has been suspended until further notice due to the FIR against him. The charges levied against him include outraging the modesty of the victim, sexual harassment, criminal force with the intent to disrobe, voyeurism, stalking, criminal intimidation, extortion, and destruction of evidence.
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Davanagere: Boy accused of theft tied to tree, hit with sticks
police file FIR against nine youths, arrest two
Davanagere: An incident of a boy accused of theft being tied to an arecanut tree and tortured by letting red ants into his private parts has come to light late, with a video of the scene, reportedly from Asthapana Halli near Nallur in Channagiri taluk, going viral.
The incident is learned to have occurred a few months ago. The boy, who belongs to the Hakki Pikki tribal community, was attacked by a group of 10 to 15 youngsters of the same community. The youngsters are seen in the video clip assaulting the boy with sticks and a drip pipe even as the boy continues to scream.
An FIR has been filed against nine of the suspects in connection with the incident, based on a complaint filed by the boy’s grandfather. Two of the suspects have also been arrested by the police.
