Woman alleges sexual assault by bizman during accident rescue

Kochi: A 25-year-old woman alleged that she was sexually assaulted by a businessman while being taken to a hospital after a road accident during her return from a pilgrimage, and that police failed to arrest the accused even more than a week after registering the complaint. According to the survivor, on April 3, the autorickshaw in which she was travelling along with two others overturned at KPAC Junction in Kayamkulam after ramming a divider, leaving her with minor injuries. She said that several people gathered at the scene to help, including a man who later allegedly assaulted her. Identified by the survivor as Sinil Sabad, a trader from Kayamkulam, the accused allegedly arrived at the spot on his motorcycle and sexually assaulted the woman while masquerading as a rescuer. "After hearing the sound of the accident, a few individuals came to help. I was able to walk slowly, but he insisted on taking me and touched me inappropriately," she said.She alleged that the assault continued during the journey to the hospital and that the accused threatened her to prevent her from disclosing the incident. Doctors who examined her noticed injuries, following which she revealed the alleged abuse. Hospital authorities then informed police. The woman claimed that the accused fled before police arrived. Although a complaint was registered on April 4 and the man was booked, police have not officially recorded the arrest so far. Alleging attempts to influence her, she said, "He offered up to Rs 25 lakh through my friend to settle the matter. I still have recordings of his associates threatening me and offering money."Expressing concern over the delay in action, she added, "Usually, in such cases, the accused are arrested within a few days. It has been more than a week, and no action has been taken. When I contact police, they say the case is being examined."She also alleged that the accused has financial and political influence, which she suspects may be contributing to the delay. Attempts to reach officers at the Kayamkulam police station, including the station house officer, seeking response were unsuccessful.