Ahmedabad Youth Molests Teenager After She Rejects His Advances
A disturbing incident unfolded in Ahmedabad when a 19-year-old girl became the target of harassment in a public space. A youth approached her on a bike and persistently demanded that she talk to him. The girl firmly refused his unwanted attention and asked him to leave her alone. He initially drove away but soon returned to the scene. Upon his return, he physically molested the young woman before fleeing.
Local police have launched an investigation into this brazen act. Officers are examining available CCTV footage from the area to identify and apprehend the perpetrator.
Helpline Reports Harassment Even in Supposedly Safe Spaces
Officials from the Abhayam 181 helpline note that harassment complaints are not limited to streets or public areas. They are increasingly receiving reports from places considered safe, such as educational institutions.
In one recent case, an 18-year-old student at a premier educational institute came forward with a complaint. She reported that a man working with the campus canteen invaded her personal space as she washed her hands after a meal. The individual subjected her to both physical and verbal harassment.
Data Reveals a Troubling Pattern of Increasing Harassment
Statistics from the Abhayam helpline paint a concerning picture of a broader trend. In 2025 alone, the helpline received 2,398 calls related to eve-teasing and another 2,307 calls concerning stalking.
Analyzing data over a two-year period reveals a clear upward trajectory. Distress calls related to eve-teasing have risen by approximately 15%. This increase is even more pronounced in major urban centers across Gujarat.
- Ahmedabad recorded a significant 40% spike in such cases compared to 2023.
- Surat witnessed a 30% rise in harassment reports.
- Rajkot saw cases increase by 38%.
Vadodara presented a contrasting figure, with a modest 5% decrease in reported incidents over the same timeframe.
Helpline Coordinator Details Range of Complaints
Satish Kadia, the coordinator for the Abhayam helpline, provided insight into the variety of cases reported in Ahmedabad during 2025. He described incidents spanning a wide spectrum.
"On one end, we handled the harassment of a 12-year-old girl. Fortunately, her family members quickly noticed the situation and raised an alarm," Kadia stated. "On the other end, we addressed a case where a woman in her forties reported a youth for persistently following her, despite her repeated reprimands."
He emphasized the helpline's role as a critical first responder. The service aims to build confidence among complainants and ensure they feel supported. "Several cases are escalated to the city police for them to initiate formal legal action," Kadia added.
Officials Cite Multiple Factors Behind the Rising Numbers
Abhayam officials attribute the increase in reported harassment cases to a combination of factors. Population growth in urban areas is one contributing element. An expansion in the number of response vehicles has also improved the system's reach and capacity.
Perhaps most importantly, there is a higher level of public awareness about reporting such crimes. People are more willing to come forward and use helplines. Officials also noted an impact from the rollout of the integrated 112 emergency number.
"The introduction of the 112 helpline in September integrated six existing emergency numbers," an official explained. "Cases requiring immediate police intervention for rescue or response have been transferred to those specialized teams. Consequently, some complaint categories registered with Abhayam show a dip."
Police Response and Broader Helpline Data
City police officials stated they have implemented several measures over recent years to combat harassment and eve-teasing. These initiatives include installing distress buttons in public places, running awareness campaigns in schools and colleges, and intensifying patrols around educational institutions.
A broader analysis of Abhayam calls in 2025 shows the following breakdown of primary concerns:
- Approximately 46% of calls were related to domestic violence.
- About 15% concerned abuse or harassment.
- Roughly 12% sought information on specific cases.
- Around 5% pertained to extramarital affairs.
Despite the rise in harassment reports, the overall call volume to the Abhayam helpline decreased by 9% year-on-year, reaching 1.97 lakh calls in 2025. Officials link this overall dip directly to the introduction of the integrated 112 emergency system, which分流了一些紧急案件。
