A 21-year-old woman in Bengaluru’s BTM Layout was sexually harassed and robbed by a knife-wielding stranger at her PG in the early hours. The intruder stole Rs 2,500 before fleeing. Police are investigating the incident and tracking the accused.
Bengaluru: In a shocking incident in BTM Layout, a 21-year-old woman was sexually harassed and robbed in her paying guest (PG) accommodation in the early hours of August 29. The intruder, armed with a knife, entered her room while she was asleep, assaulted her, and stole Rs 2,500 before fleeing. Despite her efforts to stop him, the man escaped, leaving the victim shaken. Police have launched an investigation into the incident, which occurred at Laxmana Durga Ladies PG, highlighting serious security lapses at the facility.
Incident Occurs In Early Hours
According to police, the incident took place around 3 am at Laxmana Durga Ladies PG near Gangotri Circle in BTM Layout, First Stage, Bengaluru. The woman stated in her complaint to Suddaguntepalya police that she was asleep when a stranger entered her unlocked room and touched her inappropriately on her legs and hands.
Assailant Threatens Victim With Knife
Startled by the intrusion, the victim confronted the man, who then brandished a knife and threatened her against raising any alarm. Police said he scratched her leg with his nails and assaulted her twice before making off with Rs 2,500 from the room. CCTV footage revealed that the woman followed the intruder into the corridor and tried to stop him. While descending the stairs, he returned and assaulted her again before finally escaping.
Police officials stated that the victim, a working professional, had been residing in the PG since early August along with two other women. At the time of the incident, one roommate was at work while the other was asleep.
Case Registered Under BNS Sections
A case has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 75 (sexual harassment), 76 (assault or use of criminal force on a woman with intent to disrobe), and 329 (criminal trespass and house-trespass).
Senior police officials confirmed, “We have verified the CCTV footage and are working on the clues. Efforts are on to trace the accused.”
Security Lapses At PG
The PG accommodation had been operational for only two months. The security guard on duty admitted he was asleep during the incident. When contacted, the PG owner claimed the incident occurred at the entrance and not inside the room, adding, “We could not prevent such incidents if outsiders forced their way in.”
The victim has declined to speak publicly about the incident. Police continue to investigate and track down the perpetrator.