Bengaluru Shaken: Woman Sexually Harassed, Robbed in Marathahalli PG

Bengaluru, often hailed as India's Silicon Valley, has been rattled by a deeply disturbing incident that has once again cast a shadow over the safety of its residents, particularly women living in shared accommodations. In the early hours of Thursday morning, a 28-year-old woman residing in a paying guest (PG) facility in the bustling Marathahalli area became the victim of a harrowing ordeal when an unknown intruder entered her room, subjected her to sexual harassment, and made off with her cash.

The incident unfolded around 3 AM, shattering the peace of what should have been a secure environment.

According to the victim's statement to the police, she was deep in sleep when she suddenly awoke to the terrifying sensation of a hand on her. Startled and horrified, she immediately confronted the perpetrator. The intruder, caught off guard, quickly snatched Rs 2,500 from her room before making a swift escape by fleeing through the window, leaving the traumatized woman in a state of shock.

The HAL Police have swiftly registered a First Information Report (FIR) based on the woman's complaint.

The case has been filed under stringent sections of the Indian Penal Code: Section 354, which pertains to assault or criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty, and Section 380, addressing theft in a dwelling house. Investigators are now meticulously working to identify and apprehend the culprit, with a primary focus on scrutinizing CCTV footage from the PG facility and the surrounding areas, hoping to piece together the sequence of events and gather crucial evidence.

This incident serves as a stark and urgent reminder of the persistent security challenges faced by individuals living in PG accommodations, which are often popular choices for young professionals and students moving to new cities.

While these facilities promise convenience and affordability, the Marathahalli incident underscores the critical need for enhanced security measures, including robust locking systems, vigilant staff, and comprehensive surveillance, to ensure the safety and well-being of their residents. The Bengaluru police have urged PG owners to review and strengthen their security protocols to prevent such distressing occurrences in the future, as the city grapples with maintaining its reputation as a safe place for all its inhabitants.