Teen girl harassed by 40-year-old man on way to school, locals hand accused to police

A 13-year-old girl was allegedly harassed in public by a 40-year-old man outside her school in Jamalpur on Monday morning, prompting locals to intervene and hand him over to the police.

According to police, the girl, a resident of Danilimda, studies at a school in Jamalpur. On August 18, she had travelled to school in an autorickshaw as usual. After the rickshaw driver dropped her off near the school, she briefly went to a nearby grocery shop to buy chocolates.

As she was walking back towards the school premises, the accused, identified as Mohammad Rashid Ansari (40), allegedly intercepted her and harassed her. The girl broke down, drawing the attention of passers-by who rushed to the spot. Locals caught hold of the accused and immediately alerted the police.

Gaikwad Haveli police later reached the scene, took custody of Ansari and registered a case against him. He has since been arrested and further investigation is underway, officials said.