In the early hours of January 20, 2023, an alarming incident unfolded outside the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi. Swati Maliwal, the Chairperson of the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW), found herself in a dangerous situation when a man allegedly made inappropriate gestures at her and dragged her along the road.

The Incident

• Around 3:11 am, the police received a PCR call reporting the incident. According to Maliwal’s statement, a man driving a Baleno car stopped near her and asked her to sit inside with bad intentions. When she refused, he left but returned and once again asked her to get in the car. Maliwal reprimanded him, but the car driver quickly rolled up the window, trapping her hand. She was then dragged for 10-15 meters.

Swift Action by Police

• The control room immediately broadcasted the message about the incident, and police teams were dispatched to locate the car.
• By 3:34 am, the police had found the car and apprehended the accused, identified as Harish Chandra.
• Maliwal’s written complaint led to the arrest of the accused, who now faces charges of molestation and voluntarily causing hurt.

Safety Concerns and Response

• Maliwal, who was inspecting women’s security in Delhi that night, highlighted the incident on social media. She expressed gratitude for the swift police action but also raised concerns about women’s safety in the city