Video: Woman sexually harassed, assaulted by group of men in broad daylight near Bengaluru
Bengaluru: A woman was allegedly sexually harassed, abused, and physically assaulted by a group of men in broad daylight near Bengaluru on Sunday. The shocking incident took place around 4 pm in Renuka Yellamma Layout near Mailasandra, about 12 km from the city. The entire act was caught on a nearby CCTV camera.
According to reports, the woman had stepped out to buy groceries when a group of intoxicated men stopped her. CCTV footage shows the men following her, attempting to touch her, and trying to talk to her forcefully. One of them even slapped her while she tried to escape. When she resisted their advances and tried to defend herself, they reportedly beat her up.
The woman bravely tried to fight back. Eventually, some local residents and her friend came to her rescue. However, things took a turn when her friend – a gym trainer – allegedly hit one of the attackers. He has since been arrested by the police for assault, while the main accused who harassed the woman is still on the run. Later that day, the accused reportedly returned and attacked the people who had helped the woman. Another video shows the men trying to force their way into what appears to be a gated residential complex.
The woman has spoken to the media, recalling how the men, believed to be under the influence of marijuana and paint thinner, abused her in the middle of the street. “They stopped me, abused me, touched me inappropriately and tried to sexually harass me. Locals stepped in to help,” she said.
A case has been filed at the Bannerghatta Police Station. The police have registered an FIR and are investigating the matter. Charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 74, which deals with assault or criminal force with intent to outrage a woman’s modesty, have been added along with other sections. Authorities confirmed that complaints have been filed from both the woman’s side and the attackers’ side. Police are currently trying to trace the other accused.