Bhubaneswar: Is the capital city really safe for women and girls? Such apprehensions have again come back to haunt the residents of Bhubaneswar after a CCTV footage from near Laxmi Sagar area here revealed how a biker was molesting a girl in broad daylight.
Something that is more worrisome is despite the evidence of CCTV footage and repeated complaints by family members of the girl, police is yet to apprehend the accused though six days have passed since the incident occurred.
Reportedly, the girl was riding a bicycle alone on her way to attend tuition early in the morning. Taking advantage of an isolated area, a guy on a motor-cycle who was following the minor girl, intercepted her and tried to outrage her modesty. He, however, had to change his mind and flee the spot, as the girl raised an alarm.
On a closer look of the footage, the accused seems to be a habitual offender with the way he approached the minor girl.
Meanwhile, the girl's family members have alleged police inaction in this case. "The incident happened on August 21 and the same evening we lodged a complaint with the police. The cops also launched an inquiry but there is no development in the case till now. They have the CCTV footage with them, still I don't know what's stopping them from arresting the accused. Today it was me and my family. I don't want others to face the same," said a relative of the girl.
With police allegedly failing to nab the offender, a few residents feel that the investigation is being suppressed due to external factors.
Speaking to media, city Additional Police Commissioner Sanjay Singh said, "A case has been registered and investigation initiated in this connection. We will take action against the accused. I think investigation process will be hampered if we share all details with media now."
"The police should launch a probe in to the matter as the whole incident is recorded by CCTV. This will be an inspiration for the molesters if no action will be taken in this regard," said social activist Namrata Chadha.
"A probe has been initiated, after a complaint was filed and action will be taken accordingly, " said additional commissioner Sanjay Singh.