Cab molestation incident prompts swift action in Kolkata

On the auspicious day of Mahalaya, a disturbing incident in Kolkata has sparked fresh concerns over women's safety during the festive season of Durga Puja. A female lawyer from Calcutta High Court allegedly experienced molestation by an app-based cab driver. However, swift action by the police led to the arrest of the accused taxi driver, highlighting the importance of immediate response to such incidents.

The victim, a lawyer, filed a complaint at Charu Market Police Station detailing the harrowing experience. The arrested driver was subsequently produced in Alipore Court on Sunday, and he was remanded to police custody. According to the victim's statement, she had booked the app cab for a journey from Lake Garden to Nagerbazar on a Saturday night. Upon entering the vehicle, she noticed that the car's air conditioning was switched off, and the driver had closed the windows. When she requested the driver to turn on the AC, the situation took a distressing turn. The driver moved to the front seat and allegedly made unwarranted advances towards her.

As tensions escalated, an altercation ensued, prompting the victim to call the emergency helpline, Dial 100. Allegedly, the app cab driver tried to prevent her from making the call. In a desperate bid for her safety, the lawyer decided to disembark from the moving vehicle. Police received reports of the incident through Dial 100 and swiftly converged near Lake Garden Bridge to apprehend the accused app cab driver. The victim was accompanied to the police station, where she formally lodged a written complaint. Subsequently, the police impounded the cab and arrested the driver. The accused driver now faces charges under sections 341, 354, and 509 of the Indian Penal Code, shedding light on the pressing need for ensuring the safety and security of women during the festive season.