Courageous Journalist Confronts Molester on Bus, Ensures Arrest

Incident Involving a Journalist on a Bus

A troubling incident has emerged involving a female journalist who was allegedly assaulted by a 55-year-old man while returning home from work on a bus.

The suspect, identified as Sanjay Basak from Narayanpur, occupied a seat designated for women in a private bus on a Friday night. Following the incident, a formal complaint was lodged against him.

As reported, the man began to inappropriately touch the journalist after moving to the seat next to her in Ultadanga. The journalist recounted, “I repeatedly asked him to behave, but he responded with abuse, questioning my character for being out so late and suggesting I should take a taxi instead. I initially tried to tolerate his behavior, but it became unbearable, prompting me to shout for help.” Startled by her outcry, the man stood up and attempted to create a barrier using her purse. She added, “He picked up my bag and threw it at me. When I reacted and raised my voice, he slapped me and started pulling at my clothes, which ended up getting torn. Despite this, I managed to call the local police to report the incident.” The police were responsive, instructing her to disembark at Baguiati crossing and assured her that a team would arrive promptly.

Displaying remarkable bravery, the journalist, with assistance from fellow passengers, managed to drag the assailant off the bus and took him to the Baguiati police station. An officer from the Bidhannagar City Police stated, “We have filed a case under various sections related to molestation, causing serious injury, criminal intimidation, wrongful restraint, and mischief, and apprehended the suspect on the spot. The journalist underwent a medical examination and is scheduled to give her confidential statement to the magistrate on Monday.” Basak was subsequently presented in a Barasat court, where he was granted bail under the condition that he appears before the magistrate as required and does not leave the city without notifying the investigating officer.