Karnataka Police Detain Suspect in B'luru Molestation Incident from Kerala
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Synopsis
On April 14, Karnataka Police arrested Santosh Daniel, the accused in a molestation case involving two women in Bengaluru, in a Kerala village. The incident raised serious concerns about women's safety in the city, prompting police to analyze extensive CCTV footage and mobilize search teams across states.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka Police arrested the suspect in Kerala.
- The accused was identified as Santosh Daniel, 26.
- Over 1,600 CCTV clips were reviewed to track him down.
- The incident occurred around 2 a.m. on April 4.
- Residents called for increased night patrols for safety.
Bengaluru, April 14 (NationPress) The Karnataka Police have successfully apprehended the suspect involved in the shocking molestation incident concerning two women in Bengaluru, as confirmed by sources on Monday. The individual was arrested in a village located in Kerala.
A video depicting the accused's actions, showing him molesting two women in a residential area during the early hours, went viral, heightening concerns regarding women's safety in the city.
The suspect has been identified as 26-year-old Santosh Daniel. The Sadduguntepalya Police took him into custody in a village in the adjacent state of Kerala.
It was reported that the accused had sought refuge at a friend’s residence, failing to disclose any details about the incident. Upon interrogation, he admitted to the crime.
Following the incident, the police analyzed over 1,600 CCTV footage clips to locate the suspect after the event was reported. Two specialized teams were formed, and using technical leads, they searched in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
After the incident became public, the suspect turned off his mobile phone and fled the area. His journey took him through Hosur and Krishnagiri before reaching Kerala. He subsequently contacted a friend from his previous employment in Bengaluru, according to police reports.
The investigation was initiated following a complaint from a local resident, Lokesh Gowda. The police identified the bike registration number of the suspect, tracked his address in Bengaluru, and initiated a manhunt.
Authorities disclosed that the suspect is currently unemployed and appears to be a habitual offender.
A viral video captured the moment two young women were targeted by the suspect in the early hours of the morning in a residential area.
This 17-second video depicted two women walking down a deserted street lined with houses. A tall, well-built man approached from behind, pushed one of the women aside, sexually harassed the other, and then fled. The video also shows the visibly shaken women momentarily pausing to regain their composure before quickly leaving the scene.
The incident took place around 2 a.m. on April 4 within the jurisdiction of the Sadduguntepalya police station. The video surfaced on social media on Sunday. Following a complaint from a local resident, police filed an FIR and launched a search for the suspect while gathering additional evidence.
Residents expressed their shock at the incident, remarking that such events were previously unheard of in their locality. They suggested that given the increasing number of PG accommodations in the area, police should enhance night patrols to ensure safety.
In response to the uptick in sexual assaults and harassment incidents during nighttime in Bengaluru, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara remarked that "such incidents occur here and there in a large city". This statement ignited significant controversy, and following the backlash, he expressed regret over his comments.
