Alleged sexual assault on child by school driver sparks violent protests

executive@coastaldigest.com (CD Network | Photos by Moany Gatty)
March 13, 2015

Mangaluru, Mar 13: A riot-like situation prevailed in Thokkottu and Ullal localities of Mangaluru taluk after a few local residents ran amok and pelted stones to exhibit their anger after a middle aged miscreant allegedly raped a three-and-half-year-old girl.

The girl, a student of Mangalore One School, located near Thokkottu, was allegedly raped inside a school van by the driver on Friday, putting the spotlight back on rising incidents of sexual abuse of school-going minors across the country.

Police said that the accused, identified as Madhukar Shetty (38), the driver of the school van, was arrested soon after a complaint was registered against him at jurisdictional Ullal Police Station.

“Police have arrested the accused and further investigation is on,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police, Vishnuvardhan told Coastaldigest.com.

The incident came to light after the girl returned home. When the girl went to the toilet, her mother noticed that she was bleeding. After the girl narrated the incident to her parents, they lodged a complaint with Ullal police station.

A relative of the girl said on condition of the anonymity that the accused had dropped all other school children before forcing himself on the minor.

The news of alleged sexual assault on a school child belonging to minority community by the driver employed by the same school spread in the region like wildfire within a couple of hours.

Enraged residents took to the streets and resorted to flash protest. A few miscreants among the separate group of protesters pelted stones at vehicles at Ullal and Thokkottu, in an apparent bid to disturb the peace in the society.

When the girl was taken to a private hospital in Thokkottu for medical examination, dozens of people gathered outside the hospital and raised slogans demanding harsh punishment for the alleged rapist. The police had to resort to mild baton charge to disperse the mob in front of the hospital.
Within a few minutes another protest erupted on National Highway Thokkottu and a few miscreants threw stones at a private passenger bus. A vehicle belonging to Ullal Police Station also was stoned by the protesters.

A few protesters were taken into custody by the police. Shops were closed in Thokkottu and Ullal junction in the evening after the anti-rape protest took a violent turn.

The doctors at the private hospital in Thokkottu, meanwhile, suggested shifting the girl to Mangaluru. When she was brought to a government hospital for medical examination, another group of people staged in front of the hospital. The police managed to disperse the crowd with the help of few local leaders.

At the same time, a group of people also staged protest in front of Ullal Police Station demanding harsh punishment for the rape accused and release of the protesters. Once again police resorted to mild baton charge to disperse the mob.

It is learnt that the accused Madhukar was assaulted by two local residents before he was taken into custody by the police at the school premises. Mangaluru city police chief S Murugan and his deputy Vishnuwardhan visited Ullal and Thokkottu after the protests.

On the other had the management of Mangaluru One school, run by a former police officer, has rubbished the rape allegation against the driver of the school van. Sources in the school told Ullal police that the girl had suffered injuries as furniture in the classroom accidentally hit her private part when she was getting ready to go home after finishing classes.

Also Read: Medical report confirms rape of nursery student; school remains closed

ullal2

ullal3

ullal4

ullal5

ullal rape  1

ullal rape  2

ullal rape  3

Comments

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.
News Network
February 1,2025

hifindia.jpg

In response to the ongoing blood shortage in Mangaluru, HIF India - Medical Cell is taking a proactive step by organizing a Blood Donation Camp. This initiative aims to support local blood banks and provide essential medical aid to those in need of urgent transfusions.

Event Details:

Date: Sunday, 2nd February 2025

Time: 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM

Venue: HIF Auditorium, Masjid-Ul-Ehsan, Vaslane 1st Cross, Mangalore

The participation of Mangaluru’s residents is crucial in making this event a success. Blood donation is a simple yet impactful way to contribute to society, and every drop donated can save multiple lives.

Special Arrangements for Women

To ensure the comfort and privacy of female donors, separate arrangements have been made, encouraging their participation in this noble cause.

Call for Action

HIF India - Medical Cell urges all eligible citizens to step forward and take part in this lifesaving initiative. Your single act of generosity can make a significant difference to those in need.

For further inquiries, please contact: +91 6366 296 133

Comments

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.
News Network
February 5,2025

manjunathbhat.jpg

Mangaluru: In a heartfelt farewell, the Govt Muslim Residential School near Deralakatte bid an emotional goodbye to Manjunath Bhat, a mathematics teacher who dedicated 29 years of his life to shaping young minds. The event, held on Monday, was organized by the school and its alumni association as Bhat prepares to retire in March.

Poornima, district officer from the minority welfare department, praised Bhat’s unwavering commitment. “Serving at the same institution for 29 years is no small feat. It speaks volumes about his dedication,” she remarked.

His colleague, Mohammed Haneef, reflected on Bhat’s exemplary service. “Teaching Muslim children for nearly three decades, he never faced a single complaint. He is truly a model teacher. Post-retirement, he plans to take up farming in his village,” he shared.

Mohammed Anwar AS, president of the alumni association and professor at Yenepoya Medical College, expressed deep gratitude. “No matter how far we go, we must always remember our teachers. I owe my success, in part, to educators like Manjunath Bhat,” he said, recalling cherished memories from his school days.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Bhat addressed the gathering, saying, “I never expected such a grand farewell. My bond with my students is unbreakable, and this event is a testament to the strength of that connection.”

The farewell was presided over by school principal Umarabba, who lauded Bhat’s dedication. “He has been a pillar of this institution, recognized as a model teacher who served with diligence, regardless of the challenges faced,” he noted.

The celebration saw alumni and dignitaries honouring Bhat with valuable gifts, including a gold ring. His wife, Sahana, and children, Srivatsa and Sindhoora, stood by his side as he was showered with love and appreciation—an unforgettable tribute to a teacher whose legacy will live on in the hearts of his students.

Comments

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.
News Network
February 11,2025

fathimashaza1.jpg

In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Fathima Shaza, a 7th-grade student of Barakah International School & College, has achieved a significant milestone by setting a Guinness World Record in the Karate Kata category. She performed non-stop for an impressive 30 minutes in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. As if that weren't enough, she also earned a Gold Medal in the Kumite Individual category, showcasing her versatility and mastery in Karate.

Fathima, the daughter of Mr. Ibrahim Kasim and Mrs. Sowsreen, has honed her Karate skills under the expert guidance of renowned coaches Mrs. Zakiya Yasmeen and Mr. Nadeem. Their mentorship has played a crucial role in her success.

On behalf of the entire Barakah International School & College community, Chairman Mohammed Ashraf Bajpe extends heartfelt congratulations to Fathima for her extraordinary achievements. Her triumph brings immense pride to the school, its teachers, and non-teaching staff.

This remarkable accomplishment not only highlights Fathima's dedication and hard work but also sets a shining example for students everywhere.

fathimashaza2.jpg

Comments

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.