Mangaluru: The Mangaluru South police have arrested a private bus conductor on charges of allegedly sexually harassing college students while they were travelling on a bus operating on the Mangaluru–Vittal route.
The accused has been identified as Irfan (32), a resident of Kalleri House in Uppinangady, Puttur. Police said he was currently residing in a rented house owned by Abubakar at Karvelu in Uppinangady. He was employed as a conductor on a private bus operating between Mangaluru and Vittal.
Alleged incident took place on July 9
According to the police, the alleged incident occurred at around 5 pm on July 9 when several college students were travelling on the private bus.
During the journey, the accused allegedly targeted the students, exposed himself, made obscene gestures and called the students to the rear seat of the bus, subjecting them to sexual harassment.
Following the incident, a complaint was lodged with the Mangaluru South police, leading to the registration of a case against the accused.
Accused arrested following investigation
Police launched an investigation soon after the complaint was registered. Based on the findings of the preliminary inquiry, officers arrested the accused on July 10.
The arrested conductor has been taken into custody, and police are continuing their investigation to ascertain all the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Officials have not disclosed whether additional witnesses have been questioned or whether further legal action will follow as the investigation progresses.
Investigation continues
Police said the investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the probe advances.
Authorities have reiterated that complaints involving the safety and security of women and students in public transport are treated with priority, and appropriate legal action will be taken based on the outcome of the investigation.