Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru, Jan 21: “The accused in connection to the sexual harassment of woman in a private bus on January 14 has been arrested,” informed police commissioner N Shashi Kumar.
The arrested has been identified as Hussain (41), a resident of Kasargod.
Addressing media here on Thursday January 21, Shashi Kumar said, “A woman had shared on social media about the horrific incident she experienced in a private bus in which she was travelling. The woman alleged sexual harassment on her way from KS Hegde to Pumpwell in the bus. She even raised an alarm in the bus but the conductor and passengers were mute spectators. Even though the woman warned the accused of clicking his picture and posting on social media, the accused was seen striking a pose for the photo. He even thanked the victim before leaving the bus. We will also probe whether the accused has done such offences in Kasargod.
Hussain
The victim
“The police took the matter seriously after the women came out on social media. Several tourists and people from other districts visit Mangaluru. It may be 4 am or 9 pm, students and workers travel in public transport. If such incidents occur, it will be a black mark for Mangaluru.
“Victims have to raise an alarm if such incident occur. It is shocking to see that the bus conductor and passengers failed to respond. Public transport without CCTV is a huge drawback. We will hold discussion with the deputy commissioner and stakeholders about installing CCTV in public transport at the earliest.
“I thank the woman who was courageous enough to come forward and raise this issue. This will definitely inspire many girls who have been through such issues to come forward. There might be several such incidents where women or girls hesitate to complain. If any female has experienced such incidents, feel free to contact the nearby police station or higher officials. I also thank Dr Vidya from Aloysius who is part of ‘Moms of Mangalore’ forum who stood with the victim and supported her.
“When such incident occurs, public should remember their social responsibility and intervene. It does not mean that they should take law in their hands but they should inform the police,” he said.
The police commissioner later felicitated the woman for her courage to raise the issue and inspiring others. He also announced a reward of Rs 10,000 to the police team who worked hard to nab the culprit.
The operation was carried out by DCP Hariram Shankar, DCP Vinay Goankar, ACP South Ranjith Kumar, Konaje police station, and staff of women police station.
The women even slapped the accused during the press conference.
Two days after the incident, the woman met with a bike accident with her brother and suffered a fracture on her leg.