Karnataka Police Capture Suspect in Bengaluru Molestation Case: What Happened?
Arrest Made in Bengaluru Molestation Incident
In a significant development, Karnataka Police have apprehended a suspect linked to a high-profile molestation case involving two women in Bengaluru. The arrest took place in a village located in Kerala, as confirmed by sources on Monday.
A disturbing video depicting the assault had circulated widely, raising alarms about the safety of women in the city.
The suspect, identified as 26-year-old Santosh Daniel, was taken into custody by the Sadduguntepalya Police. Reports indicate that he had sought refuge at a friend's residence without revealing details about the incident. Upon questioning, he admitted to the crime.
Authorities revealed that they sifted through over 1,600 CCTV footage clips to locate the suspect after the incident gained attention. Two specialized teams were formed, and they pursued leads across Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Following the incident, the suspect turned off his mobile phone and fled, traveling through Hosur and Krishnagiri before reaching Kerala. He later reached out to a former colleague from Bengaluru, according to police.
The investigation was initiated after a local resident, Lokesh Gowda, filed a complaint. Police identified the suspect's motorcycle registration number, traced his address in Bengaluru, and launched a manhunt.
Sources within the police department indicated that the suspect is currently unemployed and may have a history of similar offenses.
The viral video captured the harrowing moment when two young women were approached by a man in the early hours of the morning. The footage showed the man pushing one woman aside and sexually harassing the other before fleeing the scene. The visibly shaken women were seen pausing briefly to regain their composure before leaving.
This incident occurred around 2 AM on April 4, within the jurisdiction of the Sadduguntepalya police station. The video gained traction on social media the following Sunday, prompting police to file an FIR and gather further evidence.
Local residents expressed their shock at the incident, noting that such events were rare in their neighborhood. They urged the police to enhance night patrols, especially with the increasing number of paying guest accommodations in the area.
In response to the growing number of sexual assault cases in Bengaluru during nighttime, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara remarked that "such incidents occur here and there in a big city," a statement that sparked considerable controversy. Following public backlash, he later expressed regret for his comments.