Noida Man Arrested for Alleged Sexual Harassment Near Golf Course Metro Station
A 27-year-old man was arrested by Noida police on Sunday for allegedly sexually harassing a woman near the Golf Course Metro station. The disturbing incident occurred on Friday night when the accused reportedly targeted the victim as she was returning home from work.
Details of the Harassment Incident
The accused, identified as Naveen Kumar, a resident of Sector 37 in Noida, allegedly passed lewd comments and made inappropriate gestures toward a 37-year-old woman who is also a resident of the same sector. According to the victim's complaint, she was returning to her house from the metro station after office hours when the harassment occurred.
The woman stated in her complaint that Kumar, seeing her alone and taking advantage of the poorly lit stretch with no street lights in the area, followed her and began making inappropriate comments. The situation escalated when he allegedly indulged in obscene acts and even attempted to touch her forcefully.
Victim's Traumatic Experience and Rescue
"I was traumatised and scared," the victim recounted in her complaint. "I started screaming, after which some passersby came to help me. Seeing them, he ran away. A woman among them told me the man is a habitual offender and had even tried to harass her."
The timely intervention of bystanders prevented further escalation of the incident, and the accused fled the scene when people gathered to assist the distressed woman.
Police Action and Legal Proceedings
Following the victim's complaint, an FIR was registered against Naveen Kumar at the Sector 39 police station on Saturday night. The case was filed under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:
- Section 74 (assault or criminal force)
- Section 75 (sexual harassment)
- Section 352 (intentional insult)
Based on the FIR and subsequent investigation, police officials were able to locate and apprehend the accused on Sunday. The arrest highlights the police department's responsiveness to complaints of sexual harassment in the city.
Broader Concerns About Women's Safety
This incident has once again raised concerns about women's safety in Noida, particularly around metro stations and poorly lit areas. The victim's account of inadequate street lighting in the vicinity of the Golf Course Metro station points to infrastructure gaps that could potentially enable such crimes.
Furthermore, the revelation from a bystander that the accused might be a habitual offender suggests a pattern of behavior that warrants closer scrutiny by law enforcement authorities. Such information could be crucial in preventing future incidents and ensuring community safety.
Residents of Noida have expressed concern over such incidents occurring in residential areas and near public transportation hubs that many working professionals rely on daily. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of community vigilance and prompt police action in addressing crimes against women.
