A horrific incident of public sexual assault has shaken Bengaluru’s Anekal taluk, near Mailasandra, after a group of five to six drug-intoxicated men allegedly harassed, molested, and beat a young woman in full public view on Sunday evening. The disturbing attack, captured on CCTV, occurred in Renuka Yellamma Colony around 4 PM while the victim was on her way to buy groceries.

CCTV Footage Reveals Brazen Assault

The footage shows the men following the woman, attempting to touch her and verbally abuse her. One assailant is seen physically grabbing and molesting her as she resists. Eyewitnesses reported that the harassers even attacked bystanders who tried to intervene. The victim was eventually rescued by neighbours and a friend who arrived at the scene.

Police Delay in Registering Complaint

According to local media reports, the Bannerghatta Police initially refused to register the victim’s complaint, sending the victim away without justification. However, following media scrutiny and public outcry, an FIR was later filed. DSP Mohan Kumar of Anekal subdivision visited the police station to personally record the victim’s statement. Meanwhile, a search has been launched to nab absconding perpetrators.

Victim Recounts Harrowing Ordeal

Speaking to reporters on Monday, victim said that she was heading towards a newrby shop to buy groceries when a group of five to six young men suddenly began abusing her verbally. “They appeared to be intoxicated. They surrounded me and began misbehaving. They slapped me hard and dragged me across the street,” she said.

“I tried to escape, but they didn’t let me go. I attempted to defend myself by kicking them. Initially, neighbours and onlookers did not intervene. It was only when the gang began attacking me more violently that some neighbours came to my aid. The gang assaulted them as well,” she added.

“I ran home and locked myself inside. The gang chased me, jumped over the gate, and tried to enter the house. They stood outside and continued abusing me,” she said.

The victim said that she recently moved into the area with her family and does not recognise the attackers, but neighbours told her that they were locals.

“Later, one of the accused’s parents came to our house and verbally abused me and those who had tried to help. I feel unsafe and threatened,” she said.

“I went to the police station on Sunday night. The police accepted my complaint but asked me to come again the next day. The FIR was only registered later in the afternoon,” she added.

(With inputs from IANS)