A social media influencer in Bengaluru has publicly shared a traumatic incident of being sexually harassed by a minor, recounting her experience in a video that has since gone viral and stirred significant debate on social media. The influencer, Biswal, described how a 10-year-old boy on a bicycle initially approached her with a greeting, only to soon inappropriately touch her before quickly fleeing the scene.
The incident, which took place as she was returning home, left her visibly shaken, leading her to post a tearful video for her Instagram followers, numbering over four lakh.
According to Biswal, while some bystanders sympathised with her, others asked her to "spare" the boy, insisting his actions were unintentional due to his young age, reported Live Mint. Biswal expressed frustration at the leniency often shown to minors in such cases, explaining that the encounter had deeply affected her.
The post drew a swift response from the Karnataka portfolio on X, which stated, “This type of harassment, happening openly in a public place, raises serious concerns about the security and well-being of women in the city. One has to wonder, is it truly possible that such incidents can happen so openly on the streets of Bengaluru?,” emphasizing the need for increased safety measures in public areas to protect women.
Biswal’s account has sparked a mixed reaction online. While many people expressed solidarity with her, others questioned the credibility of her experience, labeling her a “drama queen.” Some responses also invoked a North-South regional divide, adding another layer to the social media discourse, as reported by Hindustan Times.
Following her initial post, Biswal uploaded a follow-up video, thanking those who had supported her and reaffirming the importance of public discussions around harassment.