Vadodara: A martial arts coach was convicted for sexually harassing a girl student at his coaching classes in Gotri area of the city. The girl had lodged a complaint against the coach in November 2019. Coach Bablu Sawant used to teach mixed martial arts at his academy, where she had been learning for the past six months.
On the day of the incident, Sawant wound up his class early and as all students prepared to leave, he allegedly asked the 18-year-old complainant to linger on. Sawant then allegedly touched her inappropriately and made advances towards her while he promised her government job, besides helping her make records, fame and money, she told the police.
On the day of the incident, Sawant wound up his class early and as all students prepared to leave, he allegedly asked the 18-year-old complainant to linger on. Sawant then allegedly touched her inappropriately and made advances towards her while he promised her government job, besides helping her make records, fame and money, she told the police.
The victim then fled the place and informed her mother the next day. Both of them then approached the Laxmipura police station where an offence was registered under section 354 (2) of the Indian Penal Code and provisions of the Atrocities Act as the girl belonged to a scheduled caste.
The court of the special judge (atrocities) in Vadodara held Sawant guilty and awarded him one year’s rigorous imprisonment for sexual harassment and one year simple imprisonment as well as Rs 5,000 fine for offences under the Atrocities Act. Sawant will serve the terms concurrently. The court also ordered that Sawant should pay Rs 10,000 as compensation to the complainant.