Close shave for bizman Sadiq Pasha's family as house set on fire by eve-teasers

Bengaluru, Mar 26: It was a miraculous escape for the family of Sadiq Pasha, a businessman, who woke up in the wee hours of Friday to find his house on fire. He woke up his family members, who rushed out of the house.

This is the second such incident in two days. On Wednesday, three two-wheelers parked in front of his house at Balaji Layout in MICO Layout were set on fire. Mr. Pasha had filed a complaint in this regard.

The MICO Layout police said that some persons poured kerosene on the main door and set the house on fire. The police accompanied the fire tenders to the spot. It is said that furniture and household articles were gutted.

According to Mr. Pasha's neighbours, the fire was the handiwork of a few unruly youths in the area'. They said that the youths would sit in front of Mr. Pasha's house, consume alcohol and create a ruckus. Mr. Pasha had complained about the same.

On Friday, anxious neighbours demanded strict action against the perpetrators.

Yasmen Khanum, wife of Sadiq Pasha, said, their problems started a few months ago when her daughter, who is pursuing her II pre university, started getting prank calls and messages on her mobile.

“We also noticed a group of eve-teasers loitering around the house and passing comments about her. She informed my husband, who not only chased the boys away but also complained to the police. It appears that the boys are taking revenge. First, they set fire to three vehicles parked in front of our house on the night of March 21. Now, they have the audacity to set fire to the house. My daughter, who is appearing for her exams, is scared. They have ruined our lives. Where should we go? The police are doing little to help us out.”

The MICO Layout police are examining CCTV footage from in and around the area to identify the culprits. They have taken a few youths into custody for questioning.