Bengaluru: Woman assaulted by knife-wielding stranger while she was sleeping

A 21-year-old woman living in a paying guest (PG) accommodation in BTM Layout First Stage has alleged sexual harassment and theft by an unidentified intruder in the early hours of August 29. The man, who later escaped, allegedly stole Rs 2,500 from her room, reported TOI.

According to her complaint filed with Suddaguntepalya police, the incident took place around 3 am at Laxmana Durga Ladies PG near Gangotri Circle. She stated that she was asleep when the intruder entered her unlocked room and inappropriately touched her legs and hands.

Startled, she confronted him, after which he allegedly brandished a knife and threatened her against raising an alarm. Police said the man scratched her leg with his nails and assaulted her twice before she managed to get out of bed. He then grabbed the cash from the room and fled.


CCTV footage shows the woman chasing the intruder into the corridor and attempting to stop him. However, while descending the stairs, he allegedly turned back and assaulted her again before fleeing the premises.

Police said the victim, a working professional, had been living in the PG since early August along with two others. At the time of the incident, one roommate was at work while the other was asleep.

A case has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 75 (sexual harassment), 76 (assault or use of criminal force with intent to disrobe a woman), 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 told TOI. 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.