A Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) bus driver physically assaulted a man accused of sexually harassing a woman passenger, with the incident captured on video and widely shared on social media. The driver was identified as Venkatesh, who was operating the bus on route 288 from Kengeri to Shivajinagar.
Incident Details
The video, filmed by another passenger and posted on X (formerly Twitter) on July 24, shows the driver repeatedly slapping and kicking the accused, later identified as Ravi, while shouting at him. The woman who alleged harassment is seen standing nearby. According to witnesses, the woman had raised an alarm after Ravi touched her inappropriately during the crowded bus ride.
Police arrived at the scene and took both the driver and the accused into custody. A senior officer from the Bengaluru City Police stated, "We have registered a case of sexual harassment against the accused and also against the driver for using illegal force. Vigilantism is not acceptable."
Public Reaction
The video has garnered over 2 million views in less than 24 hours, with many users praising the driver for taking swift action. Hashtags like #JusticeForWomen and #DriverHero trended locally. However, legal experts cautioned that assault, even in response to harassment, constitutes a crime.
A BMTC official said, "We are reviewing the incident. The driver’s intentions may have been good, but he should have handed the man over to the police instead of taking the law into his own hands."
Impact and Aftermath
The incident has reignited debates about women's safety in public transport and the frustration with slow legal processes. According to a 2023 survey by SafetiPin, over 60% of women in Bengaluru reported feeling unsafe in buses. The accused Ravi has been charged under sections 354 (assault on woman with intent to outrage her modesty) of the IPC. The driver Venkatesh faces charges of voluntarily causing hurt and assault.
Both men have been granted bail pending further investigation. The woman has been provided with counseling and support from a local women's helpline.
