Incident on BMTC Bus
In a shocking incident of public vigilantism, a man was brutally thrashed by passengers on a Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) bus after he allegedly molested a woman. The incident took place on Thursday evening near the Kempegowda Bus Station, according to police.
Witnesses said the woman shouted for help after the man groped her. Fellow passengers immediately caught hold of the 35-year-old accused and began assaulting him. The driver stopped the bus, and the crowd pulled the man out onto the road, continuing the beating.
Police Rescue and Arrest
Police arrived at the scene within minutes and rescued the man, who sustained multiple injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) M.N. Anucheth said, "The accused has been arrested and charged under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code for molestation. We are also investigating if any passengers used excessive force."
The woman, a 28-year-old software professional, later filed a complaint at the local police station. She was escorted home safely by police personnel.
Public Reaction and Safety Concerns
The incident has sparked debate on social media about safety of women in public transport and the role of citizen intervention. While many applauded the passengers for standing up against harassment, others cautioned against taking the law into one's own hands. "Vigilante justice cannot be encouraged," said legal expert R. Vasudevamurthy. "However, the fear of immediate consequences might deter potential offenders."
According to National Crime Records Bureau data, Bengaluru reported over 1,200 cases of molestation in 2023, making it one of the cities with the highest number of such incidents. Women's safety activists have called for increased surveillance and stricter enforcement of laws on public transport.
Police Investigation Ongoing
The accused, identified as Rajesh Kumar, a daily wage labourer, is under medical observation. Police have registered a case under Section 354A (sexual harassment) and Section 323 (voluntarily causing hurt) against him. Meanwhile, they are collecting CCTV footage from the bus to identify those involved in the assault.
Authorities have urged citizens to report any harassment immediately to the police helpline (112) rather than resorting to physical violence. BMTC officials said they would increase the number of marshals and CCTV cameras on buses to enhance women's safety.
