Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Apr 14: In a major breakthrough, Karnataka police have arrested the man accused of molesting two women in a Bengaluru residential area—a case that sparked public outrage after a video of the incident went viral on social media.
The accused, identified as 26-year-old Santosh Daniel, was tracked down and arrested by the Sadduguntepalya Police from a village in Kerala, where he had taken refuge at a friend’s house. He had reportedly not disclosed anything about the crime to his hosts. During police interrogation, he confessed to the offence.
The shocking incident occurred in the early hours of April 4 and came to light after CCTV footage surfaced online, showing a man harassing two unsuspecting women walking down a quiet street. The 17-second clip shows the accused walking up behind them, shoving one aside, and sexually harassing the other before fleeing the scene. The women, visibly shaken, are seen pausing momentarily before walking away.
Following the viral video, the Sadduguntepalya Police sprang into action, registering an FIR based on a complaint filed by local resident Lokesh Gowda. Over 1,600 CCTV clips were scrutinised by two special teams formed to trace the culprit. Using the bike registration number and technical leads, the investigation spanned across Bengaluru, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
Police said the accused initially switched off his phone and fled to Hosur and Krishnagiri, eventually reaching Kerala. He then contacted a former colleague in Bengaluru and sought shelter at his place.
Sources revealed that Santosh Daniel is currently unemployed and is suspected to be a repeat offender. His arrest brings some relief to residents of the area, many of whom expressed alarm over the brazen nature of the attack and demanded increased police patrolling, especially at night.
The incident has also stirred political controversy. Home minister G Parameshwara came under fire for his remark that ‘such incidents happen here and there in a big city’, which drew strong criticism from citizens and activists. The minister later issued a statement expressing regret over his choice of words.
The police investigation is ongoing as they gather further evidence and build a case against the accused.