Man arrested for attempting to rape model at knife point
NATIONAL | May 6, 2019:
A 34-year-old man was arrested by the police for allegedly attempting to rape a model at knifepoint at Tekal near Kolar. The man earlier did odd jobs at film shooting locations .
Somashekhar from Bangarpet promised the 23-year-old budding actress from east Bengaluru to get roles in Kannada movies and took her to Kolar
on the pretext of a photoshoot.
The model, who had appeared in some short films, was a member of several WhatsApp groups related to the film community. In one such group, Somashekhar, too, was a member.
He contacted the woman over phone and discussed about the photoshoot he would organize for her. Initially, she declined his offer, but relented later as he called her continuously for three days.
In a complaint, the woman stated "As suggested by him, I reached Bengaluru City railway station at 9.30am on May 1. He took me to Tekal on the Kuppam passenger train, claiming his team of photographers was waiting there. We deboarded at Tekal at 1pm and walked for two kilometres on the railway track. Suddenly, he pushed me aside, threatened at knifepoint and tried to rape me. I begged him not to harm me and he later tied my legs and hands. He demanded Rs 5 lakh for my safe release. I requested a friend over phone to arrange the money and bring it to Tekal
Somashekhar untied the woman and took her to Tekal station after she told him that her friend would bring the money there.
"On the pretext of getting drinking water, I went to the station master and narrated the incident to him. Sensing trouble, Somashekhar fled the spot," the woman said.
Cantonment railway police registered a case under IPC sections 354a (sexual harassment) and 387 (putting person in fear of death or of grievous hurt to commit extortion).
The case was transferred to Malur police who traced the accused at Bangarpet and arrested him. Presently, he is in judicial custody.
Source: TOI
