Noida man held for 'molestation' at Kolkata hotel after Brazil match

Cops can be seen talking to a man in a hotel lobby. (AI image)

KOLKATA: A 56-year-old Noida resident was arrested early on Sunday for allegedly molesting two women from Nagaland in the lobby of a five-star hotel off EM Bypass.The incident occurred around 1 am as Brazil players returned to the hotel after their 4-0 win over India at Salt Lake Stadium.

The women were cheering the team along with other fans gathered in the hotel lobby when the accused allegedly touched them inappropriately.A complaint was lodged at Pragati Maidan Police Station under Section 74 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.Police examined CCTV footage and, after the complainant identified the accused, tracked him to his room in the same hotel and arrested him."Police identified the accused as Palash Ray (56), son of the late Pranab Kumar Roy, residing at Lotus Boulevard, Sector-100, Noida, Uttar Pradesh," said additional CP (crime) Kunal Aggarwal.Ray denied the allegations, claiming any contact was accidental and not premeditated. Police are probing the purpose of his Kolkata visit and whether he had come solely for the match.Statements of both women will be recorded before a judicial magistrate, while hotel staff and other witnesses will also be questioned. "Further investigation into the matter is ongoing," said an officer.