A disturbing CCTV video from Madhya Pradesh has sparked outrage after it allegedly showed a man sexually harassing a woman inside a passenger bus before she fought back by repeatedly slapping him. The footage, widely shared on social media, has led to the accused being detained, even as police face questions over taking only preventive action because no formal complaint has been filed.
The incident was reported from the Deori bus stand in Sagar district.
According to reports, two young women were seated inside a bus parked at the Deori bus stand when the accused, identified as Nitish Gond, allegedly approached one of them.
Reports claimed the man stood uncomfortably close to the woman, unzipped his trousers and allegedly attempted to expose himself despite other passengers being present inside the bus.
He then allegedly tried to touch the woman’s shoulder with his private parts.
The woman initially attempted to move away. However, when the accused allegedly continued his behaviour, she confronted him and repeatedly slapped him. CCTV footage that has since gone viral appears to capture the confrontation.
The incident created panic inside the bus, following which the accused fled the spot.
As the footage spread across social media, police detained Nitish Gond and began questioning him.
Police, however, said no written complaint has been received from the woman seen in the video or any other complainant. As a result, only preventive action has been taken so far.
The viral footage has triggered widespread anger, with many questioning why stronger legal action was not initiated immediately despite the video surfacing in the public domain.
Newly appointed SDOP Arun Uikey said police are closely examining the CCTV footage to establish when and where it was recorded, identify the women seen in the video and verify the sequence of events.
A technical examination of the footage is also underway.
“The matter is being investigated thoroughly. No aspect of the case will be ignored. If the investigation establishes that a cognisable offence has been committed, strict legal action will be taken in accordance with the law,” the SDOP said.
The incident has reignited concerns over women’s safety in public transport, with local residents questioning whether police should wait for a formal complaint when video evidence of an alleged offence is already in the public domain.
Police said the investigation is continuing and further legal action will depend on the findings of the probe and the offences established during the investigation.
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