Bengaluru police successfully arrested a man accused of sexually harassing a woman after launching a multi-state manhunt that lasted nearly a week. Investigators combed through 700 CCTV recordings before tracking the accused to a remote village in Kerala.
CCTV Footage Triggers Manhunt
The case began when a CCTV video surfaced, showing a man trailing two women in an alley in Bengaluru’s BTM Layout. The man groped one of the women while her friend attempted to intervene. He then fled the scene, sparking public outrage.
Accused Fled Across States
Identified as 26-year-old Santosh, a driver at a Jaguar showroom in Bengaluru, the accused initially escaped to Hosur in Tamil Nadu. He then moved through Salem and Kozhikode before being caught in a secluded Kerala village.
Victims Seek Privacy, Police File Case
Police registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code dealing with assault, sexual harassment, and stalking. Authorities managed to locate the victims, but both women requested privacy and chose not to participate in the investigation, according to sources.
The poor quality of the CCTV footage initially hampered efforts to identify the accused, posing a significant challenge for law enforcement.
Minister’s Comment Sparks Political Storm
The incident triggered a political backlash after Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara commented, “In such a big city, such incidents will happen. We will take the necessary action according to the law.” He added that the police commissioner had been instructed to increase patrol and surveillance efforts.
The remark drew sharp criticism from the opposition BJP. Party spokesperson Prashanth G labelled it “insensitive” and accused the minister of normalising crimes against women. Former Deputy Chief Minister Ashwath Narayan also condemned the statement, saying it showed the minister’s helplessness and eroded public confidence.
Minister Issues Apology
Amid backlash, G Parameshwara later issued an apology, stating that his comment was misunderstood. “I want to clarify that the statement I made yesterday wasn’t understood properly. I am someone who has always had a lot of concern for the safety of women… If any woman has been hurt, I express my regret and apologise,” he said.
Police continue their investigation while reaffirming their commitment to ensuring women’s safety in the city.