JOIN USCoinciding with the City Police observing ‘Crime Prevention Month’, with the theme ‘Women’s Safety’ for this year, a 25-year-old MBA graduate, in Mysuru, has shown exemplary courage in bringing a man to book by taking on her stalker with grit.
The 33-year-old man had passed lewd remarks, seeking sexual favour from the woman, only to land in the police net on Monday evening.
Police Commissioner M A Saleem, on Tuesday, honoured the woman with a ‘Certificate of Appreciation’ at his office. Chaitra L, daughter of Lokanath, a retired railway employee and a resident of Hosabandikeri, Chamundipuram, has become the talk of the day for her daring and inspiring act. Devaraja police have arrested the accused, identified as Mohammed Sameer from Rajiv Nagar, here. He has been booked under IPC 354 (A) for sexual provocation.
Chaitra, who aspires to make a career in Sandalwood, has worked for a few films as a make-up artist. She has taken a break for sometime and is currently staying in the city.
On Monday, Chaitra was walking towards the KSRTC city bus stand after seeing off her friend from Gundlupet at the Sub-Urban Bus Stand, when she was stalked by two strangers. The strangers continued to trail her, even as she stopped to have a plate of panipuri near Silver Jubilee Clock tower, popularly known as Doddagadiyaara.
After having chaats, Chaitra went to the ATM kiosk of the Corporation Bank, near the clock tower. When Chaitra came out, a stranger, later identified as Sameer, ogled at her. Sameer allegedly sought sexual favour from her.
Unfazed, Chaitra walked into the Town Hall compound opposite the ATM to escape from him. Sameer, who followed her into the Town Hall, tried to pull her by hand, only to taste her wrath. Chaitra slapped Sameer, who waylaid the former again. Sameer picked up a quarrel.
An enraged Chaitra caught hold of him by his collar and called police for help. Seething in anger, Chaitra also bashed him with an iron rod. It went on for nearly 15 minutes and the public watched the same as mute spectators. Soon, a generous passerby informed the police deputed nearby, who rushed to Chaitra’s help and took Sameer into his custody.Elated by the police commissioner’s appreciation, Chaitra told media, “No women should tolerate such acts and take the offenders head on”.