Kammanahalli molestation case: Molestation victim gives statement

BENGALURU: The police on Friday finally managed to get the statement of the victim in the Kammanahalli molestation case that occurred on New Year’s Eve, said sources in the police department.

Sources further revealed that the victim identified the two prime accused, but had no information on the other arrested.

The police had filed a suo motu case based on the CCTV footage obtained from the house of a resident in the area.

At the same time, they were also trying to get the victim to help the investigation process.

The clear case of molestation and groping incident at Kammanahalli had dented the image of Bengaluru and within 48 hours after taking up the case, the police arrested four accused, including the two prime accused – Ayyappa and Leno.

But the Banasawadi police maintained that they have not yet received any complaint from the victim.

Fifth accused
Meanwhile, they have arrested the fifth accused in the case identified as James (20), who like Ayyappa and Sudesh also works as a delivery boy.

Protection for Francis
Prashath Francis, the citizen who was responsible in uncovering the heinous act in Kammanahalli by providing the CCTV footage to the police, has been given police protection after he feared threat to him and his family. Mr Francis said that after the incident, many unknown people are seen walking past his residence at Kammanahalli.

After assault, Kammanahalli shaken and stirred
A locality bustling with restaurants and  students, Kammannahalli has been shaken by the recent brutal molestation of a woman on its streets. The mood of the people is sombre and apprehensive and the 5th Main Road opposite Kammanahalli's famed Bucket restaurant is relatively quiet.

Ever since the police identified and caught the culprits based on clues from CCTV footage, there is little else the people can talk about.

Said the on duty receptionist at the restaurant,  barely 50 yards from the scene of the crime,  “The cops came and took footage from three CCTV cameras, including the one we have installed. Lots of college students visit our eatery. Since the news broke almost all of them have been discussing this issue.”

Asked if he knew anything more about the incident, he just shook his head and said, “We don't know much. We only realised what had happened from the papers and television.”

A student, Karthika, who was with her friends from CMRIMS college at the restaurant, called the incident, “Distasteful and shameful. I honestly don't feel very safe now,” she confessed.  Her male friend noted, “One of these guys, who committed the crime, is from St Josephs College. We are also students of CMRIMS. We would never treat any lady like the way these criminals did. The college is not at fault for any of this but it too will have to face the music for what these animals have done."

A resident of Kammanhalli and a young working professional, Nandini Ramesh, who  works late hours, also admitted to feeling absolutely unsafe. “Bengaluru has gone to the dogs. I work late at night. What’s the guarantee I won't be the next victim?” she  asked wryly.

Another student, Jamal Reza, said he was afraid too. "I am an Iranian and a student. We eat out late in the evenings. I do not want to be labelled a pervert just because I am a single man  staying out late at night. As it is people look at us Middle Easterners with suspicion," he said.

Mr Salim from a shop near Kullappa Circle aptly summed up the situation, when he observed, “Since the news broke of the incident, people are talking about it constantly. But what is the use? Today a crime may have been committed and the culprit caught, but the next day it is back to square one as business goes on as usual.