Real estate broker held for attempted rape in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: Madiwala police have arrested a real estate broker for allegedly attempting to rape a 20-year-old student following a complaint from the latter, who works part time at a restaurant.

According to the student, the accused allegedly stripped her and attempted to rape her on May 11 before her friends rescued her. The arrested has been identified as Hainas, 35, a native of Kerala. Anita (name changed), also from Kerala, stated that the incident took place around midnight. Anita, her employer, and a few other acquaintances had gathered for a party in a room behind the restaurant. The restaurant owner wanted to sell the eatery and had approached Hainas for brokerage.

The gathering was arranged after discussions related to the property sale. Later, when the complainant and Hainas stepped out to bring food, the latter allegedly tried to behave inappropriately while they were on the building’s staircase. She complained to her employer, who asked both of them to return to the room. Anita felt dizzy and asked her employer to bring some food. When he and his friend stepped out, leaving Anita and Hainas behind in the room, she alleged that Hainas stripped her and himself naked before attempting to sexually assault her. Her employer and his friend returned and rescued her.

Anita later approached the media and alleged that the cops were not registering an FIR, and instead were asking her inappropriate questions.

During interrogation, Hainas told police that the restaurant owner assumed that he had taken more commission, which led to disputes. He alleged that the complaint was filed over this reason. He has been remanded in judicial custody.