‘45-minute torture, sat on daughter-in-law’: Youth assaults elderly woman, robs her at knifepoint in Bengaluru; arrested

BENGALURU: An elderly woman was assaulted and robbed at knifepoint inside her home on 1st Main, Rajendranagar in Koramangala, in the early hours of Sunday, triggering panic in the neighbourhood. The assailant escaped with gold and silver ornaments and cash, but was later tracked down and arrested by police.The victim, Gowramma, who sustained injuries in the attack, runs a small petty shop near her residence. She lives on the ground floor of the building with her granddaughter, while her son and daughter-in-law reside in a neighbouring house. The accused, Vijay, 22, is a resident of the same locality. He was arrested within hours of the incident, and the stolen cash and jewellery were recovered from his possession.Gowramma was alone at home, between 6am and 6.45am, when the accused entered her house and demanded that she hand over her valuables, including gold ornaments and cash. According to her daughter-in-law Rathna’s complaint, when Gowramma said she did not have any jewellery, Vijay allegedly assaulted her and pushed her to the floor. He allegedly sat on her, hitting her on the mouth when she tried to raise an alarm. Vijay threatened to slit her throat with a knife and forced her to reveal where the valuables were kept. Terrified Gowramma told him that the ornaments were kept in the almirah. Vijay took the key and stole two gold chains, a pair of earrings, three pairs of silver anklets, and Rs 20,000. He allegedly continued to demand more valuables and tortured her for nearly 45 minutes.At this point, Gowramma’s granddaughter, a PUC student, who had stepped out briefly to buy shampoo and other items from a nearby shop, returned and knocked on the door. The accused opened the door and fled even as the student tried to grab his jacket and chased him. Based on the description given by Gowramma and CCTV footage from the area, police traced and arrested Vijay. He was produced before a court Monday and remanded to judicial custody.Adugodi police registered a case under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 311 (robbery or dacoity with attempt to cause death or grievous hurt).Vijay is a habitual offender who was released from prison just a week ago. He was aware that Gowramma was often alone at home, as her granddaughter usually stayed at her parents’ house, and planned the robbery accordingly.