Mangaluru: The principal district and session court has imposed fine of Rs 20,000 on a convict, who was accused of assaulting a KSRTC bus conductor.Arif, 27, a resident of Kunjathala near Farangipet, was accused of assaulting KSRTC bus conductor Hariappa Naik on October 14, 2014. Arif and another passenger Mohammed Sharif had got into a KSRTC bus, which was plying between B C Road and Mangaluru, from Maripalla. However, the duo refused to buy a ticket even though the conductor requested them to do so. Moreover, they were also accused of holding the shirt collar of the conductor and assaulting him. Later, Sharif brandished a knife before Naik, and threatened to kill him.The duo had also hurled abuses at the driver of the bus Harish, who came to the rescue of Naik. The duo then fled after snatching away a 32 gram gold chain and cash.Judge Kadlur Sathyanarayanacharya, after hearing 10 witnesses, delivered the verdict. Arif was held guilty under Section 353 of IPC (assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from discharge of his duty) and will be subjected to one month’s imprisonment in case he fails to pay a penalty of Rs 20,000. The court directed that Rs 10,000 be handed over to the bus conductor as compensation. He was also booked under Sections 504, 323 and 397 of IPC, but acquitted due to lack of evidence.Meanwhile, legal proceedings against another accused Mohammed Sharif is yet to be commenced, since he is absconding. Public prosecutor K Pushparaj Adyanthaya argued on behalf of the government.

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