BENGALURU: A 29-year-old web designer was molested twice by a man while she was helping an injured stray dog near Jakkur Double Road at 11.50pm of Sept 7. The accused, identified as Manjunath, in his 30s, lost balance and fell while riding away after being chased by witnesses. The patrolling police reached the spot. However, he managed to flee.The Amruthahally police later traced him to his rented apartment near Bagalur. A resident of Hennur and an engineering graduate currently unemployed, Manjunath sustained injuries, including to his ribs, and is yet to recover. He was summoned to the station for questioning and served with a notice to appear when required. His parents, who assured cooperation, were also called.What happenedThe victim, who lives near Hebbal, was travelling with her male friend towards Bharatiya City around 11.45pm when they noticed a stray dog that had been hit by a vehicle and was suffering in the middle of the road. They stopped their car and, along with a few other two-wheeler riders, attended to the animal. Finding the dog close to death, they decided to move it to the pavement.
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As the victim crossed the road carrying the animal, a scooterist approached and molested her. She shouted at him, and he fled before her friend and others could intervene. After placing the dog on the pavement, the couple washed their hands at a nearby fuel station. While returning to the car, the same man came back and groped the victim again.She raised the alarm, prompting her friend and another rider who had stopped earlier to chase the man — one on foot, the other on a scooter. The victim also joined the pursuit. After nearly a kilometre, the scooter skidded and the man fell. When asked for his name and mobile number and threatened with police action, he disclosed the information. The couple recorded his details and called helpline 112.A patrolling Hoysala police vehicle reached the scene, but upon spotting the officers, the accused escaped.
Police investigationPolice tracked his movements and found him at his rented apartment. He had sustained injuries and was undergoing treatment at a private hospital. During questioning, police learnt that he had left his home two months earlier and was living alone. His rent was being paid by his girlfriend, who is working abroad. He was returning from a party when he molested the victim.A case was registered on Sept 12 under BNS section 74 (assault or use of criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty), after the victim delayed lodging the complaint. Further action will be taken once he recovers from his injuries.His parents appeared before police and assured that Manjunath would cooperate. Further investigation is ongoing.