Sri Vijaya Puram, July 22: Police have launched an investigation after a woman lodged a complaint alleging sexual harassment, criminal trespass, assault, criminal intimidation and defamation following an incident at her residence in Junglighat. One of the accused was taken into custody by a Police Control Room (PCR) team after the woman sought emergency assistance, while further investigation into the allegations is underway.
According to the complaint submitted at Aberdeen Police Station, the incident took place on July 19 when the woman was alone at her residence as her parents had travelled to the mainland to attend a family function.
The complainant alleged that she began receiving repeated phone calls from a mobile number during the afternoon. She claimed the caller, identified as Adesh Kumar, repeatedly enquired about her whereabouts before arriving at her residence later in the day.
According to the complaint, Adesh Kumar allegedly entered the house without permission and behaved inappropriately. The woman alleged that he appeared to be under the influence of alcohol, made unwanted sexual advances and demanded sexual favours. She further claimed that despite repeatedly asking him to leave, he refused to do so.
Fearing for her safety, the complainant stated that she stepped out of the house and dialled the police emergency helpline, seeking immediate assistance.
The complaint further alleged that while she was waiting outside for the police to arrive, the wife of the accused reached the spot and allegedly verbally abused and assaulted her in public. The woman also alleged that another individual, identified as Mohammad Altaf, abused, threatened and intimidated her during the incident.
A PCR team subsequently reached the location, took Adesh Kumar into custody and advised the complainant to approach Aberdeen Police Station to lodge a formal complaint detailing the incident.
In her complaint, the woman stated that the alleged actions of the accused persons caused her fear, severe mental trauma and adversely affected her peace of mind, dignity and sense of security. She urged the police to register an FIR, conduct a thorough investigation and initiate appropriate legal proceedings against all those involved under the relevant provisions of law. She also sought police protection to prevent any further alleged harassment or intimidation.
Police sources confirmed that the complaint has been received and that an inquiry is underway. Officials said further legal action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
The incident has once again brought into focus concerns over the safety and security of women, particularly those living alone or staying by themselves for extended periods. Legal experts note that prompt reporting of such incidents and immediate police intervention are critical in preventing further escalation and ensuring the safety of complainants.
Although the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have traditionally been regarded as relatively safe compared to many urban centres on the mainland, police continue to urge residents, especially women, to immediately report incidents of harassment, stalking, criminal trespass or intimidation through the emergency helpline or by approaching the nearest police station. Officers have repeatedly emphasised that early reporting enables quicker intervention and improves the chances of preserving evidence.
Women’s rights advocates have also stressed the importance of swift investigation and timely legal action in cases involving allegations of sexual harassment and intimidation. They say visible enforcement of the law not only provides confidence to survivors to come forward but also acts as a deterrent against similar offences.
The allegations contained in the complaint are presently under investigation, and the claims made by the complainant are yet to be independently verified by the police. No official statement from the accused persons was available at the time of publication.
