Surathkal: 19-yo student harassed online; Police arrest accused

PTI, Oct 1, 2024, 12:26 PM IST

Surathkal: A case similar to the infamous incident involving actress Pavitra Gowda has emerged in Krishnapura, near Surathkal, where a young woman has reportedly been harassed with obscene messages and photos.

The victim, a 19-year-old college student currently studying in Mangaluru, was allegedly harassed by a man named Mohammad Shaqib. The accused obtained her number from a mutual friend in Chokkabettu while the girl was previously studying in Surathkal. Since then, Shaqib had been persistently sending her messages.

According to the complaint, Shaqib sent the victim daily obscene messages and photos via WhatsApp, including inappropriate images of himself, causing her severe mental distress.

The young woman, traumatized by the harassment, started experiencing health issues, including low blood pressure, and was unable to attend college, confining herself to her home.

After informing her parents about the harassment, a formal complaint was filed against the accused. The police have since arrested Shaqib, who was working in Bengaluru, and have brought him in for questioning.

The victim’s family has demanded legal action against Shaqib, and the police are investigating whether the accused, who was employed in a hotel’s reception, had harassed other hotel guests in a similar manner. Further investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of his actions.