Bengaluru: In a deeply disturbing incident that has sparked public outrage in Bengaluru, a minor girl traveling from Hyderabad to the city was allegedly sexually harassed by a private bus driver near Chalukya Circle. The accused, identified as Arif, a spare driver on duty, was taken into custody by police following a dramatic confrontation with the victim’s family.
This case has reignited concerns about the safety of women and minors traveling alone, especially during nighttime hours. With rising reports of harassment and assault, citizens and activists are demanding stringent legal action and systemic reforms to ensure accountability in the private transport sector.
A demand that crossed all limits
The incident occurred late at night when the minor, traveling with another young woman, had left her mobile phone on the bus for charging. Upon arrival in Bengaluru, she requested the driver to return her phone. Shockingly, the driver allegedly demanded a kiss in exchange for handing it back. The girl, shaken and frightened, immediately contacted her family to report the harassment.
As the bus reached Chalukya Circle, the victim’s enraged family members intercepted it, pulled the accused out, and physically assaulted him. Eyewitnesses reported that the confrontation caused traffic disruption, prompting police intervention. Arif was arrested on the spot and taken to Vidhana Soudha police station for questioning.
Family’s anguish and public fury
The victim’s brother, speaking to reporters, expressed disbelief and anger. “My sister was sent from Hyderabad by our elder sister. She called me in distress and told me what happened. I was waiting for her in Majestic, but the bus stopped at Chalukya Circle. We confronted the driver and handed him over to the police. What kind of man demands a kiss from a minor for returning her phone?”
The girl’s mother, visibly shaken, condemned the incident and voiced her fears. “My daughter was sent alone, trusting the system. At 1 a.m., she asked for her phone and he hugged her and said, ‘Give me a kiss.’ What if he had taken her somewhere? What if she had been raped? I’m terrified to send her anywhere alone now. We will not let the police release him without punishment.”
A call for justice
This incident is not isolated. It reflects a growing pattern of sexual harassment in public and private transport systems. Women across Bengaluru are increasingly afraid to travel alone, especially during early morning or late-night hours. The lack of surveillance, accountability, and swift justice has emboldened perpetrators and left victims vulnerable.
Activists and legal experts are urging the authorities to treat this case with utmost seriousness. “This is not just about one girl—it’s about every woman who fears stepping out alone. The accused must face the harshest punishment under the law. We need mandatory background checks for transport staff, CCTV surveillance in buses, and fast-track courts for such cases,” said a spokesperson from a local women’s rights organization.
Police officials at Vidhana Soudha station have confirmed that a formal complaint has been registered and the accused is being interrogated. “We are taking this matter seriously. The minor’s statement will be recorded, and appropriate sections under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act will be applied,” said an officer.
Legal experts emphasize that under POCSO, any sexual harassment of a minor is a non-bailable offense and can lead to imprisonment of up to five years or more, depending on the severity of the act. The public is demanding that the law be applied without leniency and that the accused be barred from working in any transport service in the future.
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