Knife-wielding stranger sexually harasses girl at PG in Bengaluru; flees with Rs 2,000

BENGALURU: A 21-year-old woman staying at a paying guest (PG) accommodation in BTM Layout first stage has alleged sexual harassment and theft by a stranger in the early hours of Aug 29. The intruder, who managed to escape, also took Rs 2,500 from her room.The incident occurred around 3am at Laxmana Durga Ladies PG near Gangotri Circle. In her complaint to Suddaguntepalya police, the woman (name changed) stated that she was asleep when the man entered her unlocked room and touched her legs and hands inappropriately.Startled, she confronted the intruder, who then brandished a knife and threatened her against raising the alarm. Police said the man scratched her leg with his nails and assaulted her twice before she got out of bed. He then took the money from the room and tried to flee.According to CCTV footage, the woman followed him into the corridor and tried to stop him. The assailant, while descending the stairs, returned and assaulted her again before escaping.Police officials said the woman, a working professional, has been staying in the PG since early Aug along with two others. At the time of the incident, one roommate was at work and the other asleep.A case has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 75 (sexual harassment), 76 (assault or use of criminal force to a woman with intent to disrobe), and 329 (criminal trespass and house-trespass)."We have verified the CCTV footage and are working on the clues. Efforts are on to trace the accused," a senior officer said. He added that the PG accommodation had been opened only two months ago and the security guard on duty admitted he was asleep when the incident occurred.When contacted, the victim declined to speak. The PG owner, however, claimed the incident happened at the entrance and not in her room. Asked about the footage showing the scuffle in the corridor, he said he could not prevent such incidents if outsiders forced their way in.