Three girls harassed on bus, youth arrested

HOWRAH: At a time when the police are being criticized for their lackadaisical attitude in handling crime against women, prompt action by a team of Howrah police on Sunday evening came as relief to three teenage girls who were being harassed by a youth in a bus. The victims were rescued and the youth, identified as Prasenjit Dutta, was arrested.

The three girls - all residents of Belur - have appeared for their Class XII board examination this year. On Sunday, they came to Kolkata to attend coaching classes at an institute in Topsia. After their classes got over the trio boarded a bus from Topsia to Esplanade.

From Esplanade the girls boarded another bus that would take them to Belur. Trouble started right from the time the teens got on to the bus on Route No. 54 a little after 7pm. With the bus being relatively empty at that time, 25-year-old Dutta reportedly started harassing the girls. Not only did he pass lewd remarks but also started making indecent gestures at them. Though the three protested, the youth refused to stop.

When the number of passengers gradually increased, the girls informed them and the bus conductor of Dutta's antics following which he remained quiet for some time.

But the moment the bus crossed Howrah Station and most passengers got off, Dutta allegedly resumed his indecent activities. With no solution and help in sight, one of the girls sent a text message to his brother's mobile phone and apprised him of their ordeal.

The girl's brother went to Belur police station and informed officials of the harassment by Dutta. Police wasted no time and pooled in all resources to intercept the bus. Meanwhile, the girl kept updating her brother of her whereabouts.

At 8.30pm, the bus was finally intercepted the bus near Don Bosco School in Liluah. Police officials got into the bus and nabbed Dutta after the girls identified him. While Dutta, a resident of Belur Morapara, was whisked away in a police van, the three girls were rescued.

Confirming the incident, Howrah City Police DC (headquarters) Nishat Pervez said the accused is being interrogated. "The three girls have been rescued and the accused has been booked under section 354 of IPC (outraging the modesty of a woman)," said Pervez.

Congratulations to the Howrah police.

This is what I meant when I said that if there is no political interference, the police can move fast.

Unfortunately, at every step, the police have to give into the demands of the political masters.

Probably this Dutta does not have political backers or if he has, this is not the last of the matter.

He will probably be released by tomorrow the threaten the girl and her brother to withdraw the case.