Bengaluru: In a disturbing incident, a Brazilian model working in Bengaluru was allegedly molested by a grocery delivery agent at her apartment in RT Nagar. The accused, a 21-year-old diploma engineering student, has been arrested and remanded in judicial custody.
Delivery turned nightmare
According to the police, the incident took place on October 17, when the victim, who is employed with a private firm and also works as a model, had placed an order through a popular grocery delivery app. When the delivery agent arrived at her first-floor apartment, he allegedly touched her inappropriately after noticing that she was alone at home.
The woman immediately screamed for help and managed to lock the door, preventing any further assault. The accused reportedly fled the spot soon after.
Complaint filed after employer’s intervention
Initially, the victim did not report the incident due to shock and fear. However, on October 25, after her employer came to know about the ordeal, they encouraged her to lodge a complaint with the RT Nagar Police Station.
Following the complaint, police swiftly arrested the accused, identified as Kumar (21), a diploma student studying at a private college in Bengaluru.
Accused arrested and sacked
Police officials said that the delivery platform terminated the accused’s employment immediately after being informed about the case. The accused has since been produced before a magistrate and remanded to judicial custody.
Senior police officers said that investigations are underway to verify the accused’s past activities and whether he has been involved in similar cases.
Police appeal for vigilance
Authorities have urged residents, especially women living alone, to exercise caution while accepting deliveries and to verify the identity of delivery personnel before opening their doors.
The police have also directed e-commerce and delivery platforms to conduct stronger background checks on delivery agents to prevent such incidents.
Background checks under scrutiny
This incident has once again raised concerns about the safety protocols adopted by online delivery platforms. Despite most companies claiming to conduct mandatory verification through Aadhaar and police background checks, incidents of harassment involving delivery agents continue to emerge across Indian cities.
Police sources said they are coordinating with the delivery company to ensure that such lapses are addressed urgently.
Victim receives support
Police said the victim has been provided with counselling support, and her identity has been kept confidential as per legal norms. The Brazilian Embassy in New Delhi has been informed about the incident.
A senior officer from the RT Nagar police said, “The victim showed courage by coming forward and reporting the incident. The accused has been arrested, and we are ensuring that the case is investigated thoroughly.”