Woman Molested at Kidderpore Mela: A 23-year-old woman was reportedly molested and threatened with rape at the bustling Ratha Yatra mela in Kolkata’s Kidderpore area near the Fancy Market entrance on Friday evening. The assailant, reportedly known to the family, also issued threats targeting the victim’s husband. The shocking incident has raised alarm over the safety of women at large public events and prompted a police crackdown.
Woman Molested at Kidderpore Mela: Victim’s Ordeal
The survivor, traumatized by the physical and verbal assault, initially attempted self-harm but was rescued in time by her family. She later filed an official complaint at Watgunge Police Station.
According to her statement:
“He grabbed my hand in the middle of the crowd, tried tearing my clothes, and kept saying he would harm my husband. I froze in fear. No one helped me.”
What Police Are Doing
Following the First Information Report (FIR), the Kolkata Police have:
- Identified the suspect based on the survivor’s complaint
- Launched an intensive manhunt
- Collected nearby CCTV footage for verification
- Recorded witness testimonies from mela visitors
The accused is believed to be someone with a prior grudge against the woman’s spouse. As of now, he is absconding.
Legal Action Underway
The police may invoke the following Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections:
- Section 354: Assault on a woman to outrage her modesty
- Section 506: Criminal intimidation
- Section 509: Verbal abuse intending to insult modesty
- Section 341: Wrongful restraint
Relevant legal information:
➡️ Indian Penal Code, Ministry of Law and Justice
Patterns of Violence in Public Events
This case is not isolated. National data reveals that 30–40% of molestation cases are reported from:
- Religious gatherings
- Transport hubs
- Markets and fairs
According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB):
➡️ Crime Against Women Report
Security Lapses Highlighted
Residents and civic groups noted multiple lapses:
| Issue | Consequence |
|---|---|
| No visible police near Fancy Market gate | Offender acted with impunity |
| Lack of women security staff | Survivor faced delay in getting help |
| Absence of first-response teams | Escalated mental trauma for the survivor |
Community Response
The incident has sparked outrage among locals, women’s rights groups, and college students. The survivor’s friends staged a small demonstration outside the market on Saturday evening, demanding the immediate arrest of the accused.
Government and Administrative Action
Senior officers at Kolkata Police have assured a thorough investigation. The West Bengal Women’s Commission is also monitoring the case.
➡️ West Bengal State Commission for Women
Further, festival organizers may now be asked to:
- Install high-resolution CCTV at all entry/exit points
- Deploy plainclothes female officers
- Create SOS booths with female counsellors during major events
Survivor’s Family Statement
The survivor’s brother told authorities:
“This wasn’t just a crime, it was a message — a threat to our whole family. We want justice, not just arrest, but also a public example made out of this.”
NCW Steps In
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognizance and issued a directive to the Kolkata Police Commissioner for a status report within 72 hours.
➡️ National Commission for Women (NCW) Website
What Comes Next
- Arrest pending: The accused is expected to be nabbed soon.
- Chargesheet preparation: Forensic and digital evidence being compiled.
- Monitoring and legal follow-up by NCW and State Women’s Commission.
Preventive Recommendations
| Measure | Responsible Body |
|---|---|
| 24/7 CCTV surveillance in mela areas | Kolkata Municipal Corporation |
| On-ground SOS units for women | Kolkata Police & NGOs |
| Legal orientation for mela volunteers | State Women’s Commission |
| Real-time complaint desk | Local administration |
Conclusion
The molestation at Kidderpore mela reveals the urgent need for proactive safety frameworks, especially during mass public gatherings. The incident not only underlines the vulnerability of women in public spaces, but also calls for systemic reforms, robust surveillance, and community vigilance. While the law takes its course, the real test lies in preventing the next victim.
- Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
- National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)
- National Commission for Women (NCW)
- West Bengal Police
- Indian Penal Code PDF
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