A 50-year-old executive director residing in Ulsoor, Bengaluru, has filed a complaint alleging sexual harassment by a 26-year-old hairstylist, Sameer Ahmed, during a home visit on April 28 between 9:45 am and 10:30 am. According to the complaint, the accused fled the scene after the woman resisted and raised an alarm.
The complainant, referred to as Shalini (name changed), told police that she had initially hired Ahmed via a home services web portal in September last year, paying ₹398 for his services. Pleased with his work, she had been contacting him weekly for hair setting appointments at home.
On the night of April 27, Shalini arranged another appointment via WhatsApp for the next morning. Ahmed arrived as scheduled, while her two children, sister, and domestic help were present but occupied in other parts of the home. As he began setting her hair in the living room, he allegedly unzipped his pants and behaved inappropriately, physically harassing her from behind.
Shocked and alarmed, Shalini pushed him away and screamed for help, prompting Ahmed to escape before her family could intervene.
Police arrested Ahmed from his residence in Banaswadi and booked him under Section 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (relating to gestures or acts intended to insult a woman’s modesty). Investigators confirmed this was the first reported instance of misconduct despite several prior visits.
The case highlights growing concerns over safety in app-based home services, particularly for women.
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