BENGALURU: After Bengaluru drew national as well as international attention over the alleged mass molestation during the New Year celebrations on MG Road and Brigade Road, the city police have registered four suo motu cases based on news reports in a section of the media.
Addressing mediapersons, City Police Commissioner Praveen Sood said, “Though many of our teams started investigations after the report came out from a media house, we are yet to find any credible evidence. However, we have taken the issue seriously and will intensify our efforts to gather information.
“As I mentioned on the first day, our priority is protection of women and children.”
He added, “I was not the in-charge officer on December 31, 2016. I took charge only on January 1 and also met mediapersons, but nobody spoke about this incident. But, on January 2, after the news broke out, we formed teams to find credible evidence in the case. We had installed around 45 CCTV cameras in the area. Based on reports in a section of the media we have taken up the case and will investigate.”
He added that four cases in connection with the alleged mass molestation have been registered — one in Indiranagar, one in Ashok Nagar and two in Cubbon Park police limits.
He said notices are being issued to media houses that reported about the incident to seek more information about the victims or eyewitnesses to help them probe the case.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Chandragupta said police have so far questioned 20 people in connection with the alleged mass molestation.
“We have already issued notices to media houses seeking information. Patrolling in the Central Business District has also been beefed up as nightlife on weekends is extended till 1am. As of now, we have not got any credible evidence. The probe has however been intensified,” he added.