Bengaluru: Police have registered a case against a city resident for allegedly sending obscene and inappropriate messages to a woman employee working at a branch of State Bank of India. The complaint was filed by a 40-year-old Senior Associate employed at the bank’s State Bank of India Kacharakanahalli Branch, who alleged that the accused sent sexually explicit messages to her after visiting the bank for a service enquiry.
Based on the complaint, the police have booked a case against the accused, identified as KR Ravi Shetty. Authorities said an investigation has been initiated to verify the allegations and gather evidence related to the incident.
Incident began during bank visit
According to the complaint submitted to the police, the incident began on March 10 when the accused visited the State Bank of India Kacharakanahalli Branch to enquire about internet banking services.
During his interaction with the bank employee, Shetty reportedly spoke about his business activities and engaged in casual conversation with the complainant while discussing the banking procedure.
The complainant stated that during the interaction, the accused shared his mobile phone number with her and requested that she give him a missed call so that he could save her contact details. Believing the request to be part of routine communication related to banking services, the employee complied.
However, the situation allegedly changed later the same evening.
Obscene message sent later that night
The complainant alleged that at around 8 pm on the same day, the accused sent her a message through mobile messaging that contained sexually explicit remarks directed at her.
According to the complaint, the message was obscene and inappropriate, causing distress to the employee. She stated that the content of the message was offensive and unrelated to the earlier banking enquiry.
Despite the complainant reportedly issuing a warning and expressing her discomfort, the accused allegedly continued to send unsolicited and inappropriate messages.
The woman stated that the continued messaging left her feeling harassed and uncomfortable.
Bank authorities informed
The following day, the complainant informed the chief manager of the State Bank of India Kacharakanahalli Branch about the incident.
After hearing her account, the chief manager reportedly contacted the accused over the phone and questioned him regarding the messages sent to the bank employee.
According to the complaint, Shetty allegedly told the manager that he would visit the bank and apologise for his behaviour.
However, the matter reportedly escalated further later that day.
Second inappropriate message allegedly sent
The complainant stated that around 5.20 pm on the same day, the accused allegedly sent another inappropriate message, this time directed at the chief manager of the bank.
In the message, he allegedly suggested that arrangements be made between him and the complainant, which the bank authorities considered highly inappropriate.
Following this incident, the woman decided to approach the police and file a formal complaint.
Police register case under BNS
Based on the complaint, the police registered a First Information Report against KR Ravi Shetty.
The case has been filed under Section 75(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, which deals with offences related to harassment and inappropriate behaviour.
Police officials said they have begun an investigation into the case and will examine the messages and other digital evidence as part of the probe.
Authorities are expected to question the accused and review the mobile communication records to establish the sequence of events.
Workplace safety concerns highlighted
The incident has also drawn attention to concerns about workplace safety and harassment faced by employees, particularly women working in public-facing roles.
Bank employees and customer service staff frequently interact with a large number of customers each day, which sometimes exposes them to uncomfortable situations.
Experts say organisations must ensure that staff feel safe reporting incidents of harassment and that prompt action is taken when complaints arise.
Investigation underway
Police said further investigation will determine the extent of the alleged misconduct and whether additional legal provisions may apply.
Officials have also advised members of the public to maintain respectful conduct while interacting with service professionals and warned that inappropriate communication can attract legal consequences.
The case remains under investigation, and further action will be taken based on the findings of the police inquiry.