[Image Credit: One India Tamil]
Tirunelveli karate and rifle shooting trainer Abdul Waqab has been arrested on charges of sexually exploiting woman.
Abdul Waqab (37), a resident of Narasinganallur’s Ponvizha Nagar near Suththamalli in Tirunelveli district, holds a diploma in karate and has been running Karate classes in Kodeeswaran Nagar. In addition, he also conducted shooting practice sessions at Palayamkottai’s KTC Nagar. His training centers attracted a large number of students, particularly schoolchildren from the surrounding localities.
Among his students was a 13-year-old girl from Suththamalli, who attended karate lessons under his supervision. The child’s mother regularly accompanied her to the center. During this time, Waqab allegedly obtained the girl’s mobile number with ill intentions. He later gained her trust, manipulated her, and entered into an illicit relationship with her. Reports suggest that this continued for nearly four years.
When the girl’s father eventually discovered the situation, he confronted his wife, which led to distance herself from Waqab. Angered by this, he allegedly visited the women’s house on the day of the incident, demanding to know why she had stopped answering his calls. He is said to have assaulted and threatened her, insisting that she accompany him. The women’s screams drew the attention of neighbors, forcing Waqab to flee the spot.
The victim lodged a complaint at the Suththamalli police station. During the inquiry, investigators uncovered disturbing details, Waqab had a history of harassing women, including the mothers of other students, and frequently tried to befriend many women by securing their phone numbers. Police sources revealed that he manipulated and exploited several women, with at least eight confirmed victims. Some were reportedly devastated to the extent of losing their lives, while many others kept silent out of fear of social stigma.
It also came to light that one woman, after realizing his misconduct, confronted Waqab at his residence, leading to further issues. Acting on the complaint, the Suththamalli police booked him under multiple charges, including provisions of the Protection of Women from Violence Act, and arrested him late last night. Authorities have assured that more stringent action will follow if additional victims come forward.
(With inputs from Daily Thanthi)
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