Goons harass, threaten 3 girls on Patuli FOB, flee after they call cops
Times of India | 10 July 2025
Kolkata: A complaint of harassment and attempted molestation was reported from the Patuli area on EM Bypass where 16-year-old girl from Bansdroni and two of her friends alleged three men threatened and verbally abused them on the Pauli overbridge on Tuesday. The girl reported that the incident occurred around 7.40 pm, when the three friends were chatting while standing on the footbridge. Three men, who were walking below the bridge, suddenly stopped and approached her, making offensive comments. Initially taken aback, she decided to stand up for herself and her friends. When she protested, one of the suspects allegedly threatened her, saying he would assault her with a knife. The teenager then dialled 100 and sought help of police.
According to the minor's statement to cops, when the accused realised that the police were on their way, they made some more obscene remarks and gestures and fled. The police arrived at the scene, contacted the girls' parents, and convinced the minors to lodge an FIR.
Based on the statements and CCTV footage collected from the spot, cops identified the three accused as Sanojit Sardar, Subhajit Gayen, and Aditya Mondal. The girl remembered the first names of the accused through their conversations.
Deputy commissioner of police (SSD) Bidisha Kalita is stated to be monitoring the probe. "We are taking this incident very seriously. Our team is reviewing CCTV footage from the area and interviewing potential witnesses to corroborate the girl's account. We are on the verge of nabbing all the accused once we establish the facts of the case," an officer said.
The Patuli police registered a case under BNS 351 (2) pertaining to criminal intimidation, 79 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman), and 54 (abettor present when the incident took place). Officers are conducting raids to apprehend the suspects.
The incident has raised concerns about random attempts to harass women on main roads. Local residents have demanded increased police patrolling in the evenings, especially as many women visit this place at that time. The authorities have urged anyone with information about the incident or the whereabouts of the suspects to contact the local police station. "We will appeal to court so that the statements of the girls can be recorded before a magistrate. We are also trying to contact independent witnesses," said an officer.