Udupi: Kollur Police have registered two separate cases following an incident in Bellal village under the jurisdiction of Kollur Police Station, resulting in the arrest of three persons.
The cases were filed based on complaints from both sides after an alleged confrontation involving a woman and a man identified as Sanath Kundapura. Police have invoked provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act in one case, while the counter-complaint has led to charges including attempt to murder.
Woman alleges harassment and caste abuse
According to police, a woman approached Kollur Police on August 6 and lodged a complaint against Sanath Kundapura.
In her complaint, she alleged that Sanath came near her residence and behaved in a manner that outraged her modesty. She also alleged that he verbally abused her using caste-based slurs.
Based on the complaint, Kollur Police registered a case under relevant provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Police subsequently arrested Sanath in connection with the case. He was produced before the court and remanded in custody.
The allegations are now being investigated by the police as part of the case registered on the woman’s complaint.
Counter-complaint leads to second case
Following the registration of the first case, Sanath filed a counter-complaint against members of the woman’s family.
In his complaint, he alleged that members of the family tied him up and assaulted him.
Based on his allegations, Kollur Police registered a separate case under charges including attempt to murder and other relevant provisions of law.
Police said two persons have been arrested in connection with the counter-case.
The arrests mean that three people have so far been taken into custody in connection with the two separate cases arising from the same incident.
Police investigating both complaints
The two cases are being investigated separately, with police examining the allegations made by both sides.
Investigators are expected to record statements from the complainants, accused persons and witnesses to establish the circumstances that led to the confrontation.
Police are also making efforts to trace and arrest the remaining accused named in the counter-case.
The investigation will determine the sequence of events and the role allegedly played by each person involved in the incident.
Further action awaited
The incident has resulted in serious allegations from both sides, with one complaint involving allegations of caste-based abuse and behaviour that allegedly outraged a woman’s modesty, while the counter-complaint alleges physical assault and an attempt on the complainant’s life.
Police have not indicated that the allegations in either case have been conclusively established. Both matters remain under investigation.
Authorities are continuing efforts to locate the remaining accused and gather evidence relevant to both complaints. Further legal action will follow based on the findings of the investigation.