Andhra police arrest duo for harassing over 200 women with lewd calls and messages

The Vijayawada police arrested an RTC bus conductor and a civilian on Sunday, on charges of sexually harassing over 200 women, by making lewd phone calls and sending inappropriate text messages.

The duo, identified as Srinivas Rao and Marlapudi Samuel, were arrested by the Governorpet police after a woman filed a complaint with them. 

Speaking to the media, Law and Order DCP G Palaraju said, “Srinivas Rao, who is attached to the Governorpet bus depot, would gather phone contacts of other women through various means, including his wife's cell phone and bus passes. They would also take numbers from classifieds."

"After gathering the numbers, they would make lewd phone calls and send text messages. He would also touch women inappropriately in the bus. Over a year ago, Srinivas made friends with Samuel who was a frequent passenger in his bus and the two of them started harassing women together," he added.

He also added that it could be some psychological problem, as the duo was obsessed with harassing women.

The police also said that they seized five mobiles, 9 memory cards and 32 sim cards that the accused would change from time to time, to avoid getting caught. 

Earlier this month, the police said that 280 cases of harassment were registered in Vijayawada since January 26.

The police have formed 'Mahila Rakshak' teams, which are working to ensure public safety of women in the city. 

They are also conducting several awareness programs.