32-yr-old salon worker attacked by employer

NEWDELHI: A 32-year-old woman, employed at a haircutting salon in a south Delhi market, suffered injuries after she was attacked with a knife allegedly by her 60-year-old employer when she protested against him for touching her inappropriately on Saturday evening, the police said.

The woman’s family members alleged that her employer tried to rape her and attacked her when she resisted his attempt.

Deputy commissioner of police (south) Vijay Kumar said a case of attempt to murder was registered and the salon owner was arrested. “We will record her statement and further charges would be added in the case if she makes any other allegations,” Kumar said. Police said the incident took place around 5pm when the woman, a resident of Govindpuri, was leaving for home after work. A police officer associated with the case said that in her initial statement, the woman alleged the salon owner held her hand and tried to pull her inside while she was stepping out of the salon.

“The woman protested against his act after which he threatened to fire her. An argument broke out between them during which the employer pushed her onto a chair. The woman then raised an alarm to alert neighbours. This irked the man and he tried to gag her. He then picked up a knife and attacked her,” the officer, quoting the woman’s statement, said.

According to the officer, the woman screamed for help after which some shopkeepers rushed to the salon and caught the owner red-handed. One of them called the police control room and reported the crime. A police team reached the scene and admitted the woman to a nearby private hospital. She was later referred to the AIIMS Trauma Centre for further treatment. Police said further investigations were on.