<p>Bengaluru: Molestation cases in Bengaluru have more than doubled over the last four years, with each year witnessing a sharp rise in numbers. </p>.<p>While 571 cases were reported in 2021, the number surged to 1,250 in 2024. The figures were 731 in 2022 and 1,139 in 2023. </p>.<p>Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda attributed the rise to improved reporting, greater camera coverage and initiatives such as the establishment of safety islands and enhanced patrolling techniques that enable quicker response to molestation incidents. </p>.<p>Writer and activist Rupa Hassan noted that molestation is a deep-rooted social issue requiring long-term solutions. She advocated for sex education at all levels of schooling and the swift and strict punishment of perpetrators. This would not only send a strong message to offenders but also encourage survivors to speak up, she added. </p>.<p>Dayananda stated that awareness campaigns and active engagement on social media had encouraged survivors to report incidents. </p>.<p>Last year, Sara Fathiema, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast), led efforts to produce videos aimed at raising awareness about online and sexual harassment. These videos were widely circulated. </p>.<p>Dayananda said each police station has a dedicated social media team that monitors and responds to every online complaint. However, he noted that social media should not replace formal complaint channels. He explained that filing an official complaint helps both survivors and investigators as it allows quicker collection of evidence and faster arrests. </p>.<p>"It saves a significant amount of time and helps investigators gather evidence more efficiently. We’re not discouraging people from posting online, but if a formal complaint is filed first, suspects can be apprehended quickly without a chance to flee," he told DH. </p>.Shiv Sena leader booked for molesting woman hotelier.<p><strong>Many goes unreported</strong></p>.<p>Even though the data shows a steady yearly increase in reported cases, senior police officers say these numbers are just the tip of the iceberg. They believe many cases go unreported due to survivors' fear of the police or concern that their information might be leaked. </p>.<p>Rupa added that lengthy legal proceedings also deter many from approaching the police. "We need more fast-track courts to shorten trial periods and ensure quicker case resolution," she said. </p>.<p>More than half of the cases reported annually since 2021 are still at the trial stage, according to data. </p>.<p>Dayananda acknowledged the lengthy legal process but stressed that circumstantial evidence and survivor statements are crucial in proving sexual harassment cases. </p>.<p>Addressing the fear factor, Dayananda said: "All police officers are sensitised to the seriousness of such cases; survivors can approach us without fear. We also ensure the highest level of confidentiality in sexual harassment cases, so concerns about information leaks should not prevent anyone from coming forward." </p>.<p>Senior officers noted that many workplace sexual harassment cases go unreported. Dayananda agreed, saying he had heard of corporate companies failing to escalate such incidents. </p>.<p>Rupa pointed out that despite having Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) policies, many companies seldom act on complaints. </p>.<p>"Internal Complaint Committees in every company should meet regularly and discuss workplace issues. These meetings send a strong message to employees and are essential to curbing sexual harassment at work," she said. </p>
<p>Bengaluru: Molestation cases in Bengaluru have more than doubled over the last four years, with each year witnessing a sharp rise in numbers. </p>.<p>While 571 cases were reported in 2021, the number surged to 1,250 in 2024. The figures were 731 in 2022 and 1,139 in 2023. </p>.<p>Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda attributed the rise to improved reporting, greater camera coverage and initiatives such as the establishment of safety islands and enhanced patrolling techniques that enable quicker response to molestation incidents. </p>.<p>Writer and activist Rupa Hassan noted that molestation is a deep-rooted social issue requiring long-term solutions. She advocated for sex education at all levels of schooling and the swift and strict punishment of perpetrators. This would not only send a strong message to offenders but also encourage survivors to speak up, she added. </p>.<p>Dayananda stated that awareness campaigns and active engagement on social media had encouraged survivors to report incidents. </p>.<p>Last year, Sara Fathiema, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast), led efforts to produce videos aimed at raising awareness about online and sexual harassment. These videos were widely circulated. </p>.<p>Dayananda said each police station has a dedicated social media team that monitors and responds to every online complaint. However, he noted that social media should not replace formal complaint channels. He explained that filing an official complaint helps both survivors and investigators as it allows quicker collection of evidence and faster arrests. </p>.<p>"It saves a significant amount of time and helps investigators gather evidence more efficiently. We’re not discouraging people from posting online, but if a formal complaint is filed first, suspects can be apprehended quickly without a chance to flee," he told DH. </p>.Shiv Sena leader booked for molesting woman hotelier.<p><strong>Many goes unreported</strong></p>.<p>Even though the data shows a steady yearly increase in reported cases, senior police officers say these numbers are just the tip of the iceberg. They believe many cases go unreported due to survivors' fear of the police or concern that their information might be leaked. </p>.<p>Rupa added that lengthy legal proceedings also deter many from approaching the police. "We need more fast-track courts to shorten trial periods and ensure quicker case resolution," she said. </p>.<p>More than half of the cases reported annually since 2021 are still at the trial stage, according to data. </p>.<p>Dayananda acknowledged the lengthy legal process but stressed that circumstantial evidence and survivor statements are crucial in proving sexual harassment cases. </p>.<p>Addressing the fear factor, Dayananda said: "All police officers are sensitised to the seriousness of such cases; survivors can approach us without fear. We also ensure the highest level of confidentiality in sexual harassment cases, so concerns about information leaks should not prevent anyone from coming forward." </p>.<p>Senior officers noted that many workplace sexual harassment cases go unreported. Dayananda agreed, saying he had heard of corporate companies failing to escalate such incidents. </p>.<p>Rupa pointed out that despite having Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) policies, many companies seldom act on complaints. </p>.<p>"Internal Complaint Committees in every company should meet regularly and discuss workplace issues. These meetings send a strong message to employees and are essential to curbing sexual harassment at work," she said. </p>