Kochi, 02 June (H.S.) :

Two young women were allegedly assaulted and one of their mobile phones was smashed after they confronted a group of youths who reportedly harassed them with obscene remarks on a road in Kochi's Kaloor area during the early hours of Tuesday.

According to police, the incident took place around 4 a.m. on Chakkalappadam Road when the women, who work part-time jobs in the city, were returning to their rented accommodation after completing their shifts.

Police said the women came across a group of eight people, including six men and two women, gathered along the roadside. The group allegedly began making sexually coloured remarks and using abusive language as the women walked past. Initially, the women ignored the comments and continued on their way.

However, the situation escalated when members of the group allegedly called them back and continued the verbal abuse. According to friends of the victims, the confrontation turned violent after one of the women attempted to record the incident on her mobile phone.

The accused allegedly tried to stop her from filming, twisted her hand and attempted to snatch the device. The phone was then reportedly thrown onto the road multiple times, leaving it severely damaged.

Friends of the victims alleged that the woman was physically attacked when she tried to retrieve the broken phone. She was allegedly dragged by her hair, pushed to the ground and kicked repeatedly by members of the group. The assault left her with injuries to her neck and other parts of her body. The second woman also sustained minor injuries while trying to intervene.

The victims later approached the Ernakulam Town North Police and lodged a complaint. One of the women was admitted to Ernakulam General Hospital for treatment, while her friend was treated for minor injuries.

Police have registered a case under Section 74 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with assault or criminal force against a woman with intent to outrage her modesty. Officials said additional charges could be invoked as the investigation progresses.

The suspects have not yet been identified. Investigators are examining CCTV footage from the area and have launched a search operation to trace those involved.

Meanwhile, friends of the victims alleged that a police officer made remarks amounting to moral policing by questioning why the women were outside at that hour and commenting on their attire. Police denied receiving any formal complaint regarding the allegation but said the matter would be examined if such a complaint is filed.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman