Pramesh S Jain
The Varthur police have registered a non-cognisable report against a car wash attendant and three of his friends for allegedly barging into the house of a migrant labourer couple in an inebriated state,assaulting them, and locking them inside their home on Friday night.
The accused also allegedly threatened the couple in the presence of the police,warning them of dire consequences if they pursued a complaint.
The victims,Samrat Dafadar and his wife Meem Begum, told media person that the incident occurred when they had just returned home from their mobile sales and service shop and were about to have dinner.
The accused allegedly knocked on the door calling out Meem Begum by name.
When Samrat opened the door, the men,who were drunk, allegedly tried to force their way inside.As he resisted and raised an alarm,the accused allegedly dragged him out of the house and assaulted him.They also attempted to snatch the gold chain he was wearing,but he managed to hold on to it.
Meem Begum rushed to her husband’s aid but was allegedly punched in the face by one of the accused, who was holding a sharp object.She sustained bleeding injuries.
The accused then allegedly pushed the couple back into the house and locked it from outside before fleeing.
The incident occurred in a BDA EWS apartment complex at Gunjur Palya,where several families reside.
However,no one came to the couple’s rescue despite their cries for help.
Samrat later managed to call the police,who arrived at the spot,rescued the couple,and took them to a hospital before recording their complaint.
The couple moved into the apartment three months ago, and this is the second such incident they have faced.
According to Samrat,the main accused,identified as Manju,is a driver by profession and a habitual offender.
He was earlier a tenant in the same house but was asked to vacate by the owner due to his alcoholism and unruly behaviour.
After the couple moved in,Manju allegedly began targeting them and harassing Meem Begum by passing lewd comments.
“We had complained to the house owner earlier,but he asked us to inform him if it happened again.We fear for our safety,especially as neighbours did not come to our help,”Samrat said.
Police said the accused were called in for questioning on Sunday.Officials added that Manju has been involved in similar cases earlier.
