Drug addict out on bail held for molesting airline staffer

The Banaswadi police on Thursday arrested a 24-year-old unemployed man for molesting an employee of an airlines near Mariappa Circle in Kalyan Nagar in eastern Bengaluru on February 12.

The police said the arrested is Premkumar, a resident of Banaswadi who was living with his parents. On February 12, the victim and her friend were returning home after dinner.

Premkumar, who was going on a bike, tried to molest the victim by pulling her clothes. The victim raised an alarm which attracted public attention. Fearing he would be thrashed, Premkumar fled the spot on his bike.

Based on the complaint lodged by the victim at Banaswadi police station, a case was registered under Section 354 IPC (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) and investigation was taken up.

CCTV footage was examined after which Premkumar was detained for questioning. Initially, it was claimed that two persons were involved in the incident. During questioning, the suspect confessed that he was alone and tried to molest the victim, added the police.

“Premkumar had recently come out on bail in connection with a bike theft case. Recently, he had again stolen another bike using a duplicate key. It is learnt that he would roam around Pulakeshinagar, Kadugondanahalli, Banaswadi and surrounding areas, trying to rob people.

He used the same stolen bike when he tried to molest the girl. He is an alcoholic and addicted to ganja and would commit petty crimes to make a quick buck. Further investigation is under way to ascertain if he is involved in other cases,” said a senior police officer.