Kochi, 21 March (H.S.):A 39-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly stalking, assaulting, and outraging the modesty of an actress in the Kaloor area of Kochi. The accused, identified as Vipin Roy, a resident of Aniparambil in Kathrikadavu, was taken into custody from his residence shortly after the incident.

According to police, the incident occurred on Thursday evening when the actress had gone for a walk near the Kaloor Stadium. As she was passing through the stadium link road, close to a tattoo studio in the area, the accused allegedly followed her and then intercepted her path. He is reported to have forcibly grabbed and assaulted her, causing distress and humiliation.

The actress immediately raised the alarm, following which a complaint was lodged with the police. Acting swiftly, officers traced the accused and arrested him from his home. Police said that Vipin Roy holds an MBA degree and is employed as a manager at an IT firm based in Kakkanad.

A case has been registered against him under sections related to outraging the modesty of a woman, assault, and harassment. Investigators are also examining whether the accused had engaged in similar behaviour in the past or had been monitoring the victim prior to the incident.

The arrest has once again raised concerns about the safety of women in public spaces, even in busy urban areas like Kaloor. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensuring strict action against offenders and urged the public to report any such incidents without delay.

The accused was produced before a local court and has been remanded to judicial custody pending further investigation. Police officials confirmed that additional legal proceedings will follow as the probe progresses.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman