“The assault took place around 4 pm on Sunday. CCTV footage showed that a group of intoxicated men blocked the path of the woman and tried to touch her inappropriately. John Richard even attempted to slap the woman when she tried to escape. After the woman resisted, the group thrashed her in public,” a police officer said.

The police said local residents and a friend of the woman eventually came to her rescue. Later, the friend of the woman, identified as a gym trainer, allegedly assaulted Richard. Following this, Swamy and some others attacked residents who had helped the victim.

The woman has filed a complaint of sexual harassment. Whereas Richard has also filed a complaint against the gym trainer on charges of assaulting him. Richard is currently admitted to the hospital and is being treated for his injuries.

C K Baba, Superintendent of Police, Bengaluru Rural, said, “The gym trainer who fought on behalf of the woman is in our custody. The other accused in the case will be arrested soon.”