The police in Bengaluru have arrested a man for allegedly molesting a 32-year-old teacher in the presence of her husband during the New Year Eve celebrations in the Central Business Districts of Bengaluru (CBD). This after the police had deployed personnel to prevent any untoward incident.
According to the complainant, the incident took place around 2.30 am at Double Road near Richmond Circle when the accused touched her inappropriately. Two friends of the accused, too, reportedly took away her mobile phone.
“We had taken part in the celebrations on MG Road and were riding back home when the incident took place,” the woman told The Times of India. “When we were crossing Richmond Circle, three bike-borne men overtook us and the pillion rider touched my shoulder, shouting Happy New Year. My husband overtook the bike to question them. The rider gave a curt reply that we should have remained indoors if such a petty issue was bothering us. Heated arguments ensued, after which I realised my phone was missing,” she said.
The couple soon alerted the police on the ground. Following this, a patrol vehicle caught hold of the accused and was taken into custody by jurisdictional Ashoknagar Police. A case of sexual harassment (Section 354A of the Indian Penal Code) has been registered.
This is so far the only incident related to violence against women reported in this year’s celebrations after the police were accused of staying as a “mute spectator” during an alleged mass molestation incident in the city’s Brigade Road in 2016 New Year celebrations.
Following that, police and authorities have been cautious during midnight celebrations, especially in the city centre, which attracts a large crowd of revellers. More than 12,000 police officials were on the ground, including 250 women-only squads, police watchtowers and additional CCTV cameras keeping a vigil on the streets.
Even Home Minister MB Patil went around the CBD on Monday night to check the security arrangements and deployment of police personnel for the safety of the people, especially women and children.
