'Air hostess' alleges molestation, cops see 'chain-snatching bid'

A woman said to be an air hostess with Jet Airways was reportedly molested by a motorcyclist when she was walking back from a fast food restaurant along with a friend in HRBR Layout, east Bengaluru.

The 22-year-old woman and her friend had decided to take a walk after eating at ‘99 Dose’ restaurant on the night of February 12, 2017. Around 10 pm, as they reached 3rd ‘A’ Main, 4th ‘B’ Cross, a man wearing a full-face helmet rode on a bike and brushed against her.

The man pulled at her top and tried to molest her. Before she and her friend could react, he rode off. They raised an alarm and called the police. A Hoysala patrol car also arrived but it was too late. Police tried to persuade the woman and her friend to lodge a complaint immediately, but they chose to leave the place. She filed the complaint on February 14.

“We have registered a case under IPC Section 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) and are checking the CCTV footage,” a senior police officer said.  DCP (East) Ajay Hilori, however, told DH it could be a case of attempted chain-snatching. “The man laid his hand around her neck and tried to grab the chain. She was not molested as has been claimed. Still, the investigation is going on,” he said.

Police detained a few people on Monday evening. Their questioning revealed the suspect wanted to rob her.