Was sexual harassment behind minor girl’s suicide? Police arrest elderly man in the case

Team Udayavani, Nov 11, 2022, 9:32 AM IST

Moodabidri: An elderly man has been arrested in connection with the tragic suicide of a PUC student that took place on Wednesday.

The accused has been identified as Shridhar Puranik, a retired staff of the college where the victim studied. It is alleged that the girl took her life due to the sexual harassment meted out by the accused.

The girl, in her death note, wrote that the motive for her extreme step was sexual harassment by Puranik.

The victim, 17-year-old Manini (name changed), originally from Bailur, lived with her aunt at Howdal on the outskirts of the town. She was found hanging on Wednesday.

It is alleged that the sexual harassment took place, on Tuesday, November 8, in the car of the accused. Manini was unwell and asked to be sent home. As the guardians were busy, they asked the accused for help. Puranik who brought her home in his car allegedly misbehaved with her on the way.

Meanwhile, the accused has been produced before the court and has been remanded to judicial custody.

As the victim was a minor, a case has been registered under the POCSO Act and also under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, and relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, police said.

Suicide is preventable. If you get any such thoughts, consult or seek expert help.

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