Bengaluru is grappling with rising concerns for women’s safety after two disturbing incidents of sexual harassment came to light. In the first case, Puttenahalli police have initiated proceedings against an autorickshaw driver accused of molesting a 19-year-old female student after he had dropped her off last Monday.
Despite the victim’s prompt complaint, which included crucial details about the suspect, the police are yet to apprehend the accused, identified as Hanumanthappa H. Talwar, leaving the community concerned about the pace of justice.
According to the complaint, the student had booked her ride through the Rapido app on September 8, traveling from J.P. Nagar to her residence. Upon reaching her destination around 5:15 p.m., as she was preparing to alight, the driver reportedly complimented her appearance, saying she resembled a film actress. Under the guise of assisting her with her bag, he then allegedly touched her inappropriately. The student immediately reported the harrowing experience to her mother before seeking police intervention.
A Second Alarming Incident
Just one day prior, on September 7, a 29-year-old web designer faced a terrifying ordeal when she was sexually harassed twice by a man near Jakkur Double Road. The incident unfolded as she was compassionately helping an injured stray dog cross the street late on Sunday night.
The accused, identified as Manjunath, an engineer, was bravely pursued by the victim’s friends. He was initially caught after falling from his vehicle while attempting to escape and was handed over to the Amruthahalli patrolling police who arrived at the scene. However, Manjunath shockingly managed to flee again. Police later tracked him to his apartment near Bagalur. After sustaining injuries during his escape, he was admitted to a hospital and subsequently arrested by the police, bringing a sense of relief amidst the ongoing investigations.