In a shocking incident, a stalker shot a woman dead at a bus stand before turning the gun on him and killing himself in Virajpet in Kodagu district on Friday morning. According to the police, two years ago, the 50-year-old victim, Lalitha*, had lodged a case of sexual harassment against the suspect, 60-year-old Jagadish Machimada. She also accused him of rape, following which Jagadish was arrested. He was out on bail.
The incident took place at the bus stand in Virajpet taluk of the district on Friday. Lalitha, a resident of the village, was waiting for her bus when Jagadish, who was waiting for her at a nearby plantation, fired at her with a gun. The police confirmed that Lalitha died on the spot.
Jagadish is a resident of Balle Madooru, which is near the victim’s village. He is now living in a rented accommodation in Ponnampet in the district.
On hearing the gunfire, two local residents tried to save the woman. However, Jagadish fired shots and injured them. "When he saw more people were arriving at the spot, Jagadish immediately fled to a nearby plantation and shot himself,” a police official in Ponnampet told TNM.
Meanwhile, both the two residents who were injured are undergoing treatment.
The police officials added that a few years ago, Lalitha had acquainted with Jagadish. However, after she lodged a complaint of sexual harassment and rape, Jagadish was arrested. "Despite being out on bail, Jagadish continued to stalk and threaten Lalitha,” a police official said.
The victim is survived by two children.
(*Name changed to protect identity)
Story by Story Infinity (Subs and Scribes Media Ventures LLP.)