In a disturbing late-night incident, a young female doctor was molested by a man on a scooter in northwest Bengaluru. The attack occurred as the victim was walking home alone after her hospital shift, highlighting ongoing safety concerns in the city.
Midnight Assault Near Soladevanahalli
The traumatic event took place around midnight on Wednesday in the Soladevanahalli area. The 28-year-old victim, who is currently pursuing her postgraduation in medicine, was returning on foot to her paying guest accommodation after work. According to her police complaint, a man riding a gearless scooter approached her under the false pretext of asking for directions to a bus stop.
"When I was about to reply, he alighted from the scooter, came close, and touched me inappropriately," the doctor stated. Reacting swiftly, the shocked victim raised an alarm, which caused the assailant to panic. He immediately fled the scene on his two-wheeler before any bystanders could intervene.
Police Investigation and Technical Challenges
Bengaluru city police have launched a dedicated hunt for the bike-borne miscreant. A senior police officer involved in the case confirmed that they have gathered some initial clues about the suspect and the vehicle used in the crime. However, the investigation hit a minor snag due to a mismatch in the licence plate number of the scooter provided by the victim.
Despite this discrepancy, authorities remain confident. "We have some clues about the suspect and the two-wheeler he used. Unfortunately, there is some mismatch in the licence plate of the gearless scooter used in the crime. However, using other technical tools, we will trace and nab him," the senior officer assured. The police are likely examining CCTV footage from the vicinity and using other digital methods to identify the culprit.
Broader Implications for Women's Safety
This incident has once again cast a spotlight on the safety of women professionals, especially those working late hours in India's major metropolitan areas. The fact that the victim is a doctor, a respected professional often working irregular shifts, adds a layer of urgency to the discourse on public security. It underscores the need for better street lighting, increased police patrols after dark, and reliable public transport options in areas like Soladevanahalli.
The Bengaluru police's promise to use technical tools to solve the case is a step in the right direction, but it also highlights the challenges law enforcement faces when initial information is unclear. The community awaits a swift arrest, hoping it will deter similar crimes and make the streets safer for everyone.
