Bengaluru: Soladevanahalli police have arrested a 28-year-old man for allegedly molesting a woman doctor outside her paying guest (PG) accommodation late at night in north Bengaluru. The arrest was made nearly two weeks after the incident, following an investigation aided by CCTV footage and local intelligence, police officials said.
The accused has been identified as Rakesh L, a native of Tumakuru district. He is unemployed and lives with his mother, who works as a domestic helper. Police said the incident occurred on December 17 at AGB Layout in Chikkabanavara, under the limits of Soladevanahalli police station.
Incident reported near PG accommodation
According to the complaint filed by the victim, who works as a doctor at a private hospital in the city, the incident took place when she was returning to her PG accommodation after completing her duty late at night. As she reached the gate of the PG and attempted to open it, a man on a motorcycle allegedly stopped nearby and approached her.
Police said the accused pretended to ask for directions. As the woman tried to respond and open the gate, he allegedly touched her inappropriately. Startled and distressed, the woman screamed for help, following which the accused fled the spot on his motorcycle.
Neighbours in the vicinity reportedly heard her cries and rushed to assist her. They alerted the police, who arrived at the scene shortly thereafter and recorded preliminary statements.
FIR registered and investigation launched
Based on the victim’s complaint, Soladevanahalli police registered a first information report (FIR) under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita dealing with sexual harassment and outraging the modesty of a woman.
A senior police officer said that given the seriousness of the offence and the vulnerability of the victim, a special team was formed to trace the accused. “The victim was returning from work and was alone at the time. We treated the case with priority,” the officer said.
Investigators examined the scene of the crime, spoke to residents of the area and began collecting CCTV footage from nearby houses and commercial establishments.
CCTV footage helps trace accused
Police said CCTV cameras installed in the locality proved crucial in identifying and tracking the accused. Footage reportedly captured the movement of a motorcycle near the PG accommodation around the time of the incident.
During the investigation, it was found that the accused had removed the number plate of his motorcycle while committing the offence, apparently to avoid identification. Police also said he was roaming around the locality in an intoxicated state on the night of the incident.
“Despite the absence of a number plate, we were able to trace the vehicle based on CCTV visuals, its make and colour, and the movement pattern of the accused before and after the crime,” a police official said.
After analysing footage from multiple cameras and conducting field verification, the police zeroed in on Rakesh L and detained him for questioning.
Accused arrested after two weeks
Following sustained interrogation and corroboration of evidence, the accused was formally arrested nearly two weeks after the incident. Police said he confessed to being present at the spot but further investigation is underway to establish all aspects of the crime.
The accused has been produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody, police added. Further legal proceedings will follow based on the outcome of the investigation and forensic analysis.
Police flag safety concerns for working women
Senior police officers said the incident highlights continuing safety concerns faced by working women, particularly those returning home late at night. They reiterated the need for heightened vigilance, improved lighting and increased patrolling in residential areas with a large number of PG accommodations.
“Women working night shifts or late hours should not have to fear for their safety. We urge PG owners and residents’ associations to install CCTV cameras and ensure adequate security measures,” an officer said.
Police also appealed to the public to promptly report suspicious activity in their neighbourhoods and to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in ensuring safer surroundings.
Conclusion
The arrest of the accused in the molestation case has brought a measure of relief to the victim and residents of the area. However, the incident has once again underscored the need for sustained efforts to improve women’s safety in Bengaluru. Police said investigations are continuing and assured that strict action will be taken in accordance with the law to ensure justice for the victim.