BENGALURU: A 20-year-old graduation student at a private university in Central Business District has accused her apartment owner of sexually harassing her during a visit to her flat in Longford Town, alleging that recently he forcibly hugged her, kissed her cheeks and touched her inappropriately despite her attempts to move away.According to the complaint filed by Manya (name changed), she has been living on the second floor of the apartment for around 2.5 months and is pursuing her third-year graduation.The accused, identified as Kamalesh Kumar, 60, is the owner of the apartment.The student stated that he visited her flat around 6.30pm on August 15 to inspect pending repair work. At the time, she was alone in the apartment.After checking the repair work, Kumar began asking her about her college.He then held her hand and tried to look at her mehendi. When she attempted to pull her hand away, he allegedly pulled her towards him and tightly hugged her.She alleged that despite her efforts to distance herself, Kumar kissed her on both cheeks while repeatedly telling her, “Do not worry, ma, or be afraid, ma.”She further alleged that when she continued trying to move away, he touched and squeezed the right side of her chest.Manya told police that Kumar then left the spot laughing, but not before telling her to inform him when she had 10–15 minutes of free time, adding that he liked her and wanted to be around her.Based on her complaint seeking action against Kumar, the Ashok Nagar police have registered a case under Sections 74 (assault or use of criminal force against a woman with intent to outrage her modesty) and 75 (sexual harassment) of the BNS and are investigating.A senior officer said that the accused was subjected to interrogation. A notice has been served on him for further investigation.
