Couple harassed, assaulted by five men in Bengaluru over interfaith interaction

In a disturbing incident of moral policing in Bengaluru, a couple was harassed and assaulted by a group of five men outside a local park. The incident, which occurred while the couple was sitting on a scooter, was captured on video and has since sparked outrage.

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The footage shows the couple — the man in an orange t-shirt and the woman in a burqa — being surrounded by the group. The men are seen questioning the woman about her family's knowledge of her whereabouts and aggressively confronting the man for being with someone of a different faith. One of the men is seen filming the woman, while others direct verbal abuse and threats at both individuals.

While initial police statements downplayed the incident, stating there was no violence, an additional video emerged showing the group assaulting the man with what appeared to be a wooden log.

Based on the woman’s complaint, authorities have arrested all five accused, one of whom is a juvenile. An investigation into the incident is currently underway.

The case has prompted strong reactions from officials, who emphasized that moral policing will not be tolerated in the state. The incident has reignited concerns about rising intolerance and vigilante behavior, especially in public spaces, highlighting the need for stronger enforcement against such acts of harassment and communal targeting.