Groping and robberies on the roads around Pondicherry and Auroville

Pondicherry has been growing exponentially and with the growth of wealth, crime has also exploded. There have been many instances of people being aggressed on and around the roads of Auroville and Pondicherry. These aggressions are often violent and take the following form. Usually two young men in their early twenties come up to you on their motorcycle and grab at your breast if you are a woman or try and stop you if you are a man to rob you. The robberies usually happen at night, whilst the sexual aggressions happen at all times of day and night. You are advised if you come to visit to travel in groups of 2 to 3 motorcycles. Never cycle alone, always move about in groups of two vehicles. If you are not traveling with a friend then ask around. If you are a group of two vehicles you will be left alone. They target single vehicles and woman who are walking, cycling or traveling on a motorcycle alone. If you decide to walk. Make sure a man is present as two woman walking will be considered fair game. Travel safe.