A shocking case of public harassment from Bengaluru has made headlines. The incident has sparked renewed fears over women’s safety in Bengaluru. This comes after a 37-year-old man, identified as S Madan, allegedly molested two women. Both in separate incidents near Milton Park in Cooke Town on Thursday evening.

How did the incident unfold?

The accused, a resident of Banaswadi, was arrested by Pulakeshinagar Police. The accused was then produced before a magistrate, who remanded him to 14 days of judicial custody. Madan, who lives with his parents and sister, is reportedly unmarried and unemployed. He allegedly left his previous job following a diagnosis of depression, according to his family.

According to reports, the incidents occurred around 7 PM. A 41-year-old woman, accompanied by her child and a friend, was walking inside Milton Park. In her complaint, she stated that a stranger approached her, blocked her path, and behaved suspiciously. Attempting to avoid him, she hid behind a tree, but he followed her, asked for a hug, and then forcibly kissed her. She fled to a nearby area where more people were present.

Forcibly kisses woman on lips

Within minutes, Madan allegedly targeted a second woman, 28, just 100 meters away. He reportedly blocked her path, groped her, and kissed her on the lips, causing minor injuries. When confronted, the accused allegedly told the women in Kannada that he was not afraid of police and challenged them to report him, claiming nothing would happen to him.

The woman in her complaint stated, “We were walking inside the park while my child was playing. Suddenly, a stranger appeared and blocked my way. His stares told me all was not well, and I sneaked behind a tree. But he followed and said, ‘Come, I am single… hug me’, then he kissed me.

Further, the victim said the miscreant told her no one could do anything to him. “Go and complain to police too, I am not bothered. I don’t fear anyone,” he shouted in Kannada. “The stranger blocked a 28-year-old woman, groped her, and kissed her. This time, the victim’s lips were injured. As she raised an alarm, the stranger ran away. By then, someone had called the police control room by dialing 112, and two patrolling police vehicles, Hoysala, reached the place. After taking initial details, they asked us to file a complaint at Pulakeshinagar police station”.

FIR registered

A bystander called the police helpline (112), prompting a quick response by two Hoysala patrol vehicles. Officers collected preliminary information and directed the victims to file a formal complaint at Pulakeshinagar Police Station. Based on CCTV footage, police tracked Madan’s movements through BMTC buses and arrested him at his residence.

“That day, he came in a BMTC bus. While returning, he boarded another bus, and this made our job easier to trace him. But he troubled the police at the station a lot. For no reason, he would shout, abuse, and attack our staffers,” a senior police officer said

According to police officials, Madan was uncooperative during interrogation, frequently shouting, abusing officers, and attempting to physically attack staff at the station.

Investigation underway

A case has been filed under Sections 74 and 75 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deal with assault on women with intent to outrage modesty and sexual harassment. Authorities have assured that a thorough investigation is underway and have promised to ensure justice for the victims.

The incidents have left residents of the area shaken, with many demanding heightened security measures.