Bengaluru: A 19-year-old undergraduate student has alleged that an auto-rickshaw driver sexually harassed her while she was walking on Promenade Road at Cleveland Town in east Bengaluru. The first-year BSc student, a resident of JC Nagar studying at a private college in Vasanthnagar, filed a complaint with the police regarding the incident, which occurred at 12:45 pm on May 7.
Incident Details
After participating in a sports meet at a PU college, the student was returning home. As she walked along the roadside, a man seated in a parked autorickshaw signaled to her. Once he gained her attention, he unzipped his pants, exposed himself, and began masturbating in broad daylight. The driver then took a turn and gestured for her to get into his vehicle. When she attempted to raise an alarm, the driver fled in his autorickshaw.
The student informed her parents about the incident on May 9. With their support, she approached the police. A senior officer stated that the complainant's father, who works in a private firm, brought her to the station after counseling her.
Legal Action Taken
A case has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Sections 74 (assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 75 (sexual harassment), and 79 (word, gesture, or act intended to insult modesty of a woman).
Investigation Underway
Police have verified CCTV footage from the surrounding areas. However, the auto registration number is not clear in the footage. The footage has been sent to the command center for assistance. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the accused, the officer added.
