Morning Jog Turns Harrowing: Bengaluru Woman Alleges Harassment by 10-Year-Old Boys
A morning jog in one of Bengaluru’s quieter forest trails turned unsettling for a woman after she alleged being harassed by a group of young boys, sparking a wider conversation on behaviour, entitlement and early social conditioning.
Ritika Suryavanshi, who shared her experience on Instagram, said the incident took place at Avalahalli forest on the outskirts of Bengaluru. According to her, she had completed a 5-kilometre run and was walking back towards the exit when the encounter occurred.
Ritika said she was wearing a sports bra and a tank top, attire she described as normal and practical for running. She made it clear that her clothing was neither unusual nor inappropriate for a fitness routine. What followed, however, left her disturbed.
She alleged that three boys, estimated to be between 10 and 13 years old, were approaching from the opposite direction when they began laughing and making remarks in Kannada. Ritika does not understand the language, but said the boys’ tone, gestures and behaviour made their intent unmistakable. She noted that mocking laughter and taunts often communicate more than words themselves.
At first, she chose not to react. Ritika said she dismissed the behaviour, assuming the boys were immature and would grow out of it. But the situation escalated when the boys allegedly stopped and made comments about her body, crossing a line that prompted her to turn back and confront them.
She said she scolded the boys, questioned their behaviour and told them they needed to learn basic manners. What troubled her most was not just the comments, but the confidence with which such young children felt entitled to pass remarks on a stranger’s body.
The incident left Ritika shaken and questioning the broader implications. She wondered whether women are now expected to self-censor even around children, and whether responsibility is increasingly being shifted onto victims rather than addressing the root of such behaviour.
Her video quickly gained traction online, triggering strong reactions. Many users expressed solidarity with her and voiced concern over how early sexist attitudes seem to be forming. Several commenters pointed to the role of upbringing, social environment and exposure to inappropriate content, arguing that such behaviour does not emerge in isolation.
Others stressed the need for early conversations around respect, consent and boundaries, both at home and in schools. While the boys involved were minors, the incident has reignited debate on how society addresses harassment, accountability and gender sensitivity at a young age.
What was meant to be a routine morning run ultimately became a moment of reflection not just for one woman, but for many questioning how and when such attitudes take root, and what needs to change to prevent them.
Ritika Suryavanshi, who shared her experience on Instagram, said the incident took place at Avalahalli forest on the outskirts of Bengaluru. According to her, she had completed a 5-kilometre run and was walking back towards the exit when the encounter occurred.
Ritika said she was wearing a sports bra and a tank top, attire she described as normal and practical for running. She made it clear that her clothing was neither unusual nor inappropriate for a fitness routine. What followed, however, left her disturbed.
She alleged that three boys, estimated to be between 10 and 13 years old, were approaching from the opposite direction when they began laughing and making remarks in Kannada. Ritika does not understand the language, but said the boys’ tone, gestures and behaviour made their intent unmistakable. She noted that mocking laughter and taunts often communicate more than words themselves.
At first, she chose not to react. Ritika said she dismissed the behaviour, assuming the boys were immature and would grow out of it. But the situation escalated when the boys allegedly stopped and made comments about her body, crossing a line that prompted her to turn back and confront them.
She said she scolded the boys, questioned their behaviour and told them they needed to learn basic manners. What troubled her most was not just the comments, but the confidence with which such young children felt entitled to pass remarks on a stranger’s body.
The incident left Ritika shaken and questioning the broader implications. She wondered whether women are now expected to self-censor even around children, and whether responsibility is increasingly being shifted onto victims rather than addressing the root of such behaviour.
Her video quickly gained traction online, triggering strong reactions. Many users expressed solidarity with her and voiced concern over how early sexist attitudes seem to be forming. Several commenters pointed to the role of upbringing, social environment and exposure to inappropriate content, arguing that such behaviour does not emerge in isolation.
Others stressed the need for early conversations around respect, consent and boundaries, both at home and in schools. While the boys involved were minors, the incident has reignited debate on how society addresses harassment, accountability and gender sensitivity at a young age.
What was meant to be a routine morning run ultimately became a moment of reflection not just for one woman, but for many questioning how and when such attitudes take root, and what needs to change to prevent them.
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