Bengaluru, 25 July (H.S.):Police have launched a manhunt for an unidentified passenger accused of sexually harassing a woman aboard a BMTC bus in Bengaluru after a dramatic confrontation inside the vehicle was captured on video and widely circulated on social media.

The Sampigehalli police have registered a case of sexual harassment following the incident, which occurred on Friday afternoon on a BMTC bus operating on route No. 500D/40 along the Hebbal–Manyata Tech Park corridor. Investigators are now working to identify the accused with the help of BMTC officials.

According to the complaint, the woman alleged that the man inappropriately touched her while the bus was in motion. She immediately alerted the bus driver, who stopped the vehicle after the allegation was brought to his notice.

A video recorded by another passenger shows the woman confronting the suspect and repeatedly slapping him. The bus driver is also seen intervening and allegedly kicking the man after preventing him from leaving the bus by closing its doors. During the scuffle, the suspect's shirt was also removed, while other passengers are heard demanding that action be taken against him.

Police said the accused nevertheless managed to get off the bus at the Manyata Tech Park bus stop before he could be detained. An FIR has been registered, and officers are examining the viral video and other evidence as part of the investigation.

The footage has since been widely circulated online, accompanied by claims that the suspect had been repeatedly boarding BMTC buses operating along the Hebbal–Manyata route and targeting women passengers. The social media posts urged the public to alert police if the man was spotted.

Police said efforts are continuing to establish the suspect’s identity and apprehend him for further investigation.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman