A video allegedly showing a foreign woman tourist being harassed by a young man on a street in Manali in Kullu district has gone viral on social media, prompting authorities to initiate action.
As per reports, the incident was captured on a CCTV camera. The footage reportedly shows a man making inappropriate advances towards a woman who was walking alone on June 3. However, officials said the exact location where the incident occurred is yet to be verified.
No formal complaint has been lodged in connection with the incident so far. Nevertheless, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Gunjeet Singh Cheema ordered a probe after the video surfaced online. He said strict action would be taken against anyone found responsible for tarnishing the image of Himachal Pradesh.
Manali Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) K D Sharma said on Saturday that the Station House Officer (SHO) has been directed to identify and trace the person seen in the video.
The incident has raised concerns among local residents and those associated with the tourism industry. Himachal Pradesh enjoys a reputation as a safe and welcoming destination and is often associated with the spirit of 'Atithi Devo Bhava'. Traders and tourism stakeholders fear that such incidents could discourage solo women travellers and foreign visitors from coming to the state.
Police said the investigation is in progress and further action will be taken based on the findings of the inquiry.
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