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Kolkata: Police have launched a probe following a complaint by a 26-year-old woman who was allegedly stalked and molested inside a moving auto-rickshaw while travelling from Hazra to Kidderpore.
The primary suspect is a neighbour of the complainant who had allegedly been following and stalking her for some time, according to police. “A formal case has been registered based on her complaint regarding repeated stalking, unwanted contact, and molestation ,” a senior Kolkata Police officer stated. Despite her repeated indications of disinterest and explicit objections to his advances, the suspect continued his attempts to foster personal interaction.
The incident occurred on Aug 30 around 9.30 pm. “The FIR details allegations of persistent harassment leading up to the molestation during the auto commute on the night of Aug 30.
We have collected CCTV footage from Hazra,” said an investigating officer, adding that further statements will be recorded as part of the procedure. “In addition, we will conduct additional probe at Kidderpore,” said an officer from Kalighat Police. The victim, a resident of Kidderpore, was returning home and had boarded a shared auto at the Hazra auto stand. The accused approached her at the stand and began passing lewd comments. When she strongly objected to his behaviour, the suspect forced himself into the same auto-rickshaw against her wishes. Officers registered a First Information Report (FIR) naming the accused neighbour. We are now verifying the claims, gathering witness accounts from the transit route, and tracing the suspect to initiate appropriate legal action.