Bengaluru: A 36-year-old woman has alleged that a group of unidentified men sexually harassed and verbally abused her in full public view near a hotel in Indiranagar while she was out for dinner with a friend. Based on her complaint, police have registered an FIR and launched a manhunt to trace the accused, who were travelling in a car at the time of the incident.
According to the complaint filed with police, the woman, who works at a private company, had gone out for dinner along with her male friend on the night of the incident. After they arrived near a well-known eatery in the locality, a group of men in a car allegedly began passing obscene comments at her without any provocation.
Obscene remarks and sexual advances alleged
In her statement, the complainant said the men made vulgar and sexually explicit remarks directed at her, causing shock and humiliation. She told police that the accused used highly objectionable language and made sexual advances openly on the roadside.
Disturbed by the behaviour, she tried to move away from the place to avoid confrontation. However, the group allegedly continued targeting her verbally and did not stop despite her visible discomfort.
Police sources said the complaint includes specific sexually loaded phrases allegedly shouted by the accused. Due to the nature of the remarks, investigators have invoked provisions related to sexual harassment, outraging modesty, criminal intimidation and use of obscene language in public places.
Victim says she was surrounded and threatened
When the woman objected to the remarks, the situation allegedly escalated. The accused are said to have brought their car closer and surrounded her, continuing their verbal abuse.
She further stated that the men threatened her by claiming they would drive the car toward her if she did not comply or kept protesting. Fearing for her safety, she attempted to quickly leave the area and hire an autorickshaw.
However, according to the FIR, the group did not disperse even then. Instead, they allegedly blocked her path as she tried to get into the auto and pushed her, creating further panic and distress.
Incident captured on CCTV
Police officials said CCTV cameras installed in the area have captured portions of the incident. Footage reportedly shows the car involved and the presence of multiple occupants inside.
Investigators said that apart from the men accused of making obscene remarks, a couple of young women were also seen inside the vehicle at the time. Their exact role, if any, is being examined as part of the probe.
Officers are analysing multiple camera angles from nearby establishments and traffic points to identify the vehicle’s registration number and movement route before and after the incident.
Case registered, hunt underway
A case has been registered at the local police station based on the woman’s complaint. Teams have been assigned to identify the suspects using CCTV footage, vehicle data and technical surveillance.
Police said they are also checking whether similar complaints involving the same vehicle or group have been reported in nearby areas. Efforts are underway to trace the car owner and question possible witnesses present near the hotel at the time.
Officials stated that offences involving public sexual harassment are treated seriously and that strict action will be taken once the accused are identified and secured.
Safety concerns in busy public areas
The incident has once again raised concerns about women’s safety even in busy commercial neighbourhoods and during early night hours. Investigators said public cooperation, quick reporting and availability of camera footage play a crucial role in such cases.
Police have advised citizens to immediately alert authorities through emergency helplines if they face harassment in public spaces. They also encouraged establishments to maintain functional CCTV systems and proper lighting outside their premises.
Conclusion
With video evidence available and the survivor’s detailed complaint on record, police say the investigation is progressing on priority. Authorities have assured that the accused will be traced soon and produced before the court, while reiterating their commitment to act firmly in crimes involving harassment of women.