A CCTV grab shows the suspect chasing the woman.
Credit: Special Arrangement
Bengaluru: In a swift action, the Konanakunte police in Bengaluru arrested a 25-year-old cab driver, Suresh, for molesting and sexually harassing a woman early on Friday morning.
Suresh, a resident of Kothanur Dinne, regularly transported private firm employees in the Kothanur area.
The 34-year-old victim was waiting for her neighbours to join her for a morning walk around 5 am, a routine she had followed for years.
As she stood in a by-lane in Kothanur, Suresh, who had just finished work, approached her. Without warning, he grabbed the woman, who immediately tried to escape. Suresh chased her, caught up and attempted to overpower her. However, the woman’s cries for help grew louder, forcing him to flee the scene.
The entire incident was captured on a nearby CCTV camera. The woman filed a complaint on Sunday, prompting the Konanakunte police to launch an investigation. Suresh was arrested near his rented home on Monday afternoon.
Lokesh B Jagalasar, Deputy Commissioner of Police (South), confirmed that Suresh does not have a prior criminal record, but stated that further checks with neighbouring districts would be conducted.
Suresh has been booked under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including sections 126 (wrongful restraint), 74 (assault or use of criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 75 (sexual harassment), 78 (stalking) and 79 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman).
3 cops suspended
In a related development, three police officers were suspended for failing to promptly file the victim's FIR.
Lokesh B Jagalasar, Deputy Commissioner of Police (South), acknowledged that an assistant sub-inspector had advised filing the FIR, but did not ensure it was registered, leading to the suspension of the officers involved.