Engg student confronts harassers, stabbed at home

Chikkaballapur: An 18-year-old engineering student was assaulted and stabbed inside her home at Chintamani town in Chikkaballapur, hours after she reportedly confronted two men for allegedly harassing her on the street.The victim, S Meghana, a first-year engineering student and part-time dance teacher, is undergoing treatment for stab injuries to her neck and abdomen.On June 30 at 4.30pm, Meghana was returning home on her scooter after dance class when two men called out to her on the way. She ignored them, suspecting they were strangers, and continued riding home.Undeterred, the duo--Vinod and Karthik--blocked her path and allegedly tried to touch her inappropriately.

Meghana fought back in self-defence, slapping both men before immediately speeding away to safety at her residence in Ashraya Badavane, Chintamani town.The confrontation, however, took a violent turn later that night. At 8.30pm, while Meghana was at home with her minor younger sister, Vinod and Karthik returned to exact revenge. They did not come alone.The duo mobilised a mob of approximately 10 people, including female family members, and forcefully barged into Meghana’s home.

The group began vandalising the property, smashing windows and damaging household furniture.According to the police complaint, the attackers assaulted Meghana and her younger sister. Karthik then drew a knife, stabbing Meghana in the stomach and neck. As she collapsed, Vinod repeatedly kicked her.The assault was cut short only when Meghana’s mother arrived at the scene, causing the attackers to panic and flee the premises.

Neighbours helped transport the injured student to the hospital, where her condition is being monitored.Chintamani Town police have registered an FIR, detailing charges of physical assault, trespassing, rioting and voluntarily causing grievous hurt. A manhunt has been launched to apprehend Vinod, Karthik and the other members of the mob involved in the violent retaliation.“Family members of Vinod and Kartik have filed a counter-complaint against Meghana ’s mother, accusing her of hurling casteist abuses. Also, Meghana’s mother threw chilli powder on the women and others, they claim,” said Kushal Chouksey, superintendent of police, Chikkaballapur.