Watch: Woman slaps man sexually harassing her in MP bus

BHOPAL: A man has been detained after a video allegedly showing him making obscene gestures toward two young women inside a bus in Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar district went viral on social media, triggering concerns over women’s safety and raising questions over the police response.The incident reportedly took place at the Deori Kalan bus stand, where the two women were seated inside a stationary bus.The viral video sparked outrage online, with many questioning why no criminal case had been registered despite the footage being in the public domain.Police identified the accused as Nitish Gond and took him into custody for questioning.However, officials said no FIR has been registered as neither the women seen in the video nor any other person has filed a formal complaint. Police have initiated only preventive action against the accused so far.Newly appointed SDOP Arun Uikey said the police are conducting a detailed investigation into the viral video.Officers are working to establish when and where the footage was recorded, identify the women seen in the video, and verify the exact sequence of events. The footage is also being subjected to technical examination.“The matter is being taken seriously, and no aspect of the investigation will be ignored. If the inquiry establishes that a cognisable offence has been committed, strict legal action will be taken in accordance with the law,” Uikey said.The incident has also drawn criticism from local residents, who questioned why police were waiting for a formal complaint despite the alleged act being captured on video. They said women’s safety should be treated as a priority and urged authorities to take prompt legal action wherever warranted.Police said the authenticity of the viral video and the identities of those seen in it are being verified. The sections under which the accused may be booked will be decided after the investigation is completed.(The victim’s identity has not been revealed to protect their privacy as per Supreme court directives on cases related to sexual assault)