Muslim Man Harass Sexually Hindu Widow [Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh]

(Reported as seen)

In a distressing incident from Pilibhit district, Uttar Pradesh, a Muslim man named Mohammad Riyaz has been apprehended for allegedly sexually and mentally harassing a widowed Hindu woman, Saraswati Devi. The incident unfolded when Saraswati visited Riyaz’s shop to repair her bed, but instead of assistance, she faced inappropriate behavior and indecent exposure.

According to Saraswati’s complaint lodged at the Gajraula police station, she visited Sattar Welding Materials on May 6 to fix her bed. During her visit, Riyaz complimented her and subsequently initiated a video call purportedly to inspect the bed. However, during the call, Riyaz made lewd comments and exposed his private parts to Saraswati, shocking her.

Disturbed by the incident, Saraswati promptly reported the harassment to the authorities, detailing Riyaz’s offensive behavior and subsequent mental harassment through repeated phone calls. Saraswati even recorded one of these calls as evidence of Riyaz’s misconduct.

Responding to Saraswati’s complaint, the police took swift action, arresting Mohammad Riyaz and charging him under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including sections 354A (sexual harassment) and 509 (insulting modesty of women). The Superintendent of Police in Pilibhit confirmed Riyaz’s arrest and assured that he had been presented in court, with further investigations underway.

This incident underscores the importance of robust legal mechanisms and societal awareness to combat sexual harassment and protect the dignity and rights of women, irrespective of their religious or social backgrounds. It serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to create safer and more respectful environments for all individuals, free from harassment and intimidation.