CITY IN CRISIS

Bangalore grapples with an alarming surge in sexual harassment cases in public transportation, as NCRB data reveals a darker reality for women’s safety in the city

A 22-year-old private firm employee, routinely travelling from Rajajinagar Metro Station on the Green Line to MG Road on the Purple Line, found herself at the center of an unsettling encounter recently. The incident unfolded at Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Majestic station. As she got down from the train to change lines, she felt an unwelcome touch from behind. Panic seized her as she realised she had become a victim of harassment in the Namma Metro.

Just a week prior, another young woman faced a similar ordeal in the metro. Her pleas for help fell on deaf ears, as indifferent co-passengers allowed the harasser to escape. The victim took to social media to share her ordeal, shedding light on the distressing reality. Disturbingly, these incidents are not confined to public transport alone. Recent data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) unveils a harsh truth – Bangalore has earned a notorious position among cities with a high incidence of crimes against women. The city, known for its vibrant culture, now grapples with being at the top of the list of highest number of acid attack incidents in the country. As per the recent findings of the NCRB report, the Bangalore Police documented six cases of acid attacks against perpetrators in 2022. Delhi secured the second position with six, followed by Ahmedabad with three reported incidents. Bangalore also leads in cases of dowry harassment, painting a grim picture of the challenges faced by women within the societal framework. Seeking information on the measures taken by the concerned authorities to ensure the safety of the women population in the city, we contacted Ban galore Police Commissioner B Dayanand. Commissioner Dayanand, while expressing skepticism about the accuracy of the report, denied being informed about any such findings.

“We will comment once we receive such a report,” he said over the phone. Meanwhile, numerous civil bodies and non-governmental organisations (NGO) have been actively addressing their worries regarding the alarming surge in crimes against women. Priya Varadarajan, the founder of Durga India, an NGO with office in Jayanagar, has expressed deep concern over the escalating number of acid attack victims in the city. She claims that approximately 100 women are admitted to Bangalore’s Victoria Hospital every month, bearing the harrowing consequences of burn injuries.

“Acid attacks often stem from the painful romantic rejections and financial extortion. The reported cases, unfortunately, represent only a fraction of the grim reality. Each month, Victoria Hospital in Bengaluru witnesses approximately 100 women grappling with the aftermath of such attacks. Shockingly, only half of sexual violence cases are officially reported, while a staggering 90% of women in the city have encountered sexual harassment, yet many incidents go unreported,” she said. Furthermore, she underscores that her NGO is dedicated to fostering awareness regarding socially responsible behavior in public spaces.

This initiative involves collaborating with various stakeholders such as street vendors, traffic police, proactive female bystanders, and cab drivers. “The objective is to encourage them to advocate for women encountering any distressing situation in public rather than being mere spectators,” she said.