Bengaluru: A day after a disturbing video went viral on social media, Hebbagodi police have registered a suo motu case after a woman alleged that she was sexually harassed by a man who was “completely naked” inside a car while she was returning home from work. Police officials said the case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and efforts are underway to trace both the accused and the woman who recorded the video.
Viral video triggers police action
The incident came to light after the woman shared a video on her Instagram handle, narrating her alleged ordeal. In the video, she claimed that while she was walking back from work, a man sitting inside a car without clothes repeatedly called out to her. She further alleged that the man drove the vehicle towards her in an intimidating manner, causing her to panic.
The video shows the woman shouting for help and accusing people around her of ignoring her distress. She alleged that some passersby smiled and walked away, apparently assuming that the incident was staged or part of a social media reel. The clip quickly gained traction online, triggering widespread outrage and concern over women’s safety in the city.
Suo motu case registered
Following the circulation of the video, Head Constable Rushabhendra of the Hebbagodi Police Station took note of the content while monitoring social media platforms. Based on the visuals and the woman’s statements in the video, he filed a complaint on his own initiative.
In the complaint, the head constable stated that the video clearly showed the woman accusing a man seated inside a car of sexually harassing her while being in a disrobed state. Acting on this, the police registered a suo motu case on January 25 under provisions related to sexual harassment under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Police officials said that registering a case without waiting for a formal complaint from the victim was necessary, given the seriousness of the allegations and the public interest involved.
Search for accused and victim
The police have launched efforts to identify and trace the accused using CCTV footage from the surrounding areas where the incident allegedly occurred. Officers are scanning footage from traffic cameras, private establishments, and residential buildings to identify the car and track its movement.
At the same time, the police are also trying to establish contact with the woman who posted the video. Officials said her statement is crucial to the investigation, as it will help determine the exact sequence of events, the location of the incident, and any additional details that may not be visible in the video.
“We are analysing CCTV footage and making efforts to locate both the accused and the woman. Once she is traced, her statement will be recorded and further action will be taken based on the evidence,” a police officer said.
Public reaction and safety concerns
The video sparked strong reactions on social media, with many users expressing shock and anger over the alleged incident and the apparent indifference of bystanders. Several users highlighted the recurring issue of people dismissing genuine distress as staged content due to the rise of social media reels and prank videos.
Women’s rights activists said the incident underlines the need for greater public sensitivity and quicker response from bystanders when someone calls for help. They also stressed the importance of prompt police action in cases involving sexual harassment, even when complaints surface initially through social media.
Police appeal to citizens
Police officials urged citizens to come forward with any information that could help identify the car or the accused. They also appealed to the public not to ignore cries for help, regardless of assumptions about whether an incident is real or staged.
Officials added that social media platforms have become an important source of information for law enforcement, but also cautioned users to share content responsibly and cooperate with authorities when incidents are reported online.
Conclusion
The suo motu case registered by Hebbagodi police following the viral video highlights the growing role of social media in bringing alleged crimes to public attention. As the investigation progresses, police aim to identify the accused, verify the woman’s allegations, and take appropriate legal action. The incident has once again raised serious questions about women’s safety and public response to distress situations in urban spaces.