Bengaluru molestation accused nabbed after 10-day hunt across states

Bengaluru police have arrested a 29-year-old man, Santosh D, for allegedly molesting a college student in Suddaguntepalya on April 3. The incident, caught on CCTV sparked public outrage after the video went viral. Home Minister G Parameshwara later faced criticism for downplaying the case. 

Also Read: Under pressure, Karnataka HM apologises for his insensitive remarks over groping incident

Santosh, a driver from Gulbarga Colony near Tilaknagar was tracked down in Kozhikode after fleeing Bengaluru. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast) Sarah Fathima confirmed the arrest and said a police team would bring him back on Monday. 

According to the police, Santosh was intoxicated on the night of the offence and followed two women before groping one and fleeing when she raised an alarm. He later switched off his phone and escaped the city on his scooter. 

Five police teams, consisting of 70 officers, reviewed over 600 CCTV cameras and traced his movements. A mechanic helped identify him from a photo of his scooter. Police eventually located him after questioning his acquaintances. 

Interestingly, the resident who uploaded the video may face charges, as the victims opposed the footage being  shared online. 

Timeline:

April 3: Incident in Suddaguntepalya

April 5: Video surfaces online 

April 6: complaint filed 

April 7: Minister’s controversial remark

April 9-13: Suspect flees Bengaluru, travels to Hosur, Salem and Kozhikode

April 13: Arrested in Kerala