Bengaluru: Street harassment ends in violent assault
What began as a late-night errand for milk turned into a violent confrontation in DJ Halli’s Shampura on August 22. A 29-year-old homemaker, Shobha, and her family were targeted in a brutal machete attack after she was mocked by three youths for her buck teeth. The assault left her husband and two brothers hospitalised with deep wounds.
Taunts escalate into violence
Around 10 pm, Shobha stepped out with her husband Mohan and their two-year-old son to buy milk for tea. Her brothers, Prabhu and Madan, had come over earlier in the evening as the child was unwell. On their way to the shop, the couple noticed three men loitering on the roadside. The youths began taunting Shobha, calling her “hallu, hallu” (“teeth, teeth” in Kannada).
Though disturbed, the couple ignored the comments and continued with their errand. However, the situation escalated on their return. “I didn’t hear them while coming back, but my husband did. He objected to their remarks and questioned them. That is when the argument started,” Shobha told police.
Attack outside home
According to her statement, the men turned aggressive and followed the couple back to their home. Near the doorstep, the attackers cornered Mohan and began abusing him in filthy language. As the confrontation intensified, they pulled out a machete.
Hearing the commotion, Prabhu and Madan rushed out to intervene. The attackers then launched a violent assault on all three men. Prabhu was slashed on both hands, with one finger nearly severed. Madan received injuries on his right hand, while Mohan suffered cuts to his face and left hand.
“As neighbours started gathering in alarm, the gang fled the spot after threatening further harm,” Shobha said.
Injured hospitalised, police case registered
The three injured men were rushed by Shobha and her parents to Dr BR Ambedkar Hospital, where they underwent treatment. Doctors confirmed that all three are recovering from their injuries.
The next morning, Shobha lodged a complaint with DJ Halli police. A senior officer confirmed that a case has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 118, which deals with voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt using dangerous weapons.
“The accused are believed to be between 18 and 22 years old. They are currently absconding, but we have strong clues and will arrest them soon,” the officer said.
Community concern
The incident has sparked concern among residents of DJ Halli, with many pointing to growing cases of harassment escalating into violence. Locals urged police to increase night patrolling and take strict action against those carrying deadly weapons in public.
Conclusion
While Mohan, Prabhu, and Madan continue to recover, the case has once again highlighted the dangers of unchecked street harassment and the need for stronger preventive policing. Authorities have assured swift arrests and stricter enforcement to ensure such incidents do not recur.