A shocking incident of public harassment in Bengaluru has sparked widespread outrage and led to swift police action. A woman was allegedly followed and harassed by three men on a scooter, an act that was captured on a nearby CCTV camera. The video evidence proved crucial, leading to the arrest of all three accused within a day of the complaint being filed.
The Terrifying Ordeal Caught on Camera
The incident occurred on the evening of December 26, 2024, in the busy Banashankari area of Bengaluru. According to the police complaint, the victim, a young woman, was walking alone when a scooter with three men began to follow her closely. The men, identified as Rohit, Naveen, and Manoj, allegedly passed lewd comments and made intimidating gestures towards her.
The entire sequence was recorded by a surveillance camera installed at a local shop. The footage clearly shows the scooter trailing the woman, with the men visibly engaging with her. Frightened for her safety, the woman managed to reach a safer location and later approached the Banashankari police station to file a formal complaint.
Swift Police Response and Arrests
Acting promptly on the complaint and the viral video evidence, the Bengaluru Police launched an investigation. Using the CCTV footage and local intelligence, the police teams identified and located the suspects. All three accused were arrested on December 27, 2024, demonstrating a rapid response to the crime.
The police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) pertaining to outraging the modesty of a woman and intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace. The accused were produced before a local court, which has remanded them to judicial custody.
Public Outcry and Calls for Enhanced Safety
The circulation of the CCTV video on social media platforms triggered a wave of anger among citizens. Many netizens and local residents expressed deep concern over the deteriorating safety for women in public spaces, even in a metropolitan city like Bengaluru. The incident has reignited the critical conversation around the need for:
- Increased police patrolling in residential and market areas, especially during evening hours.
- Better street lighting to eliminate dark spots that can enable such antisocial behavior.
- Community vigilance and the importance of reporting suspicious activities immediately.
- Swift and stringent legal action against perpetrators to serve as a deterrent.
While the police action in this case has been commended, activists and citizens alike are urging for sustained efforts to make the city's streets safer for everyone. This case underscores the dual role of technology as both a tool for evidence and a platform for public accountability.
