2 arrested for abducting, assaulting woman in Bengaluru; incident sparks political debate

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: The Bengaluru police stated on Tuesday that they had arrested two men for allegedly abducting and sexually assaulting a 37-year-old woman who was waiting for a bus in the K.R. Market area on Sunday night. According to police reports, the incident reportedly occurred around 11:30 pm near Godown Street. The woman, a native of Tamil Nadu, had left home a few days earlier following a dispute with her husband. While waiting for a bus to Yelahanka, she reportedly sought assistance from the accused, who allegedly misled her by saying the bus stop was elsewhere.

Pretending to help, they took her to Godown Street, where they allegedly sexually assaulted her. The woman was also robbed of her cash, phone and jewellery in the SJ Park. The police have not disclosed names of the accused but stated that they are labourers working in the K.R. Market area. Bengaluru Police Commissioner B. Dayananda said that an investigation is underway and that the woman had been moved to a shelter home for her safety. The incident has sparked criticism from BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra Yediyurappa, who accused the Congress government of failing to maintain law and order.

On social media platform X, he said, “Karnataka, once known for its culture and safety, is now gaining a bad reputation as a haven for robbers and rapists.” He described the incident as "despicable and inhumane," adding that the current government had created an environment of insecurity and questioned its commitment to public safety. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah responded to the criticism in Belagavi, questioning whether similar incidents had not occurred during the BJP's tenure. He emphasised that rape incidents should not happen and assured that strict action would be taken against anti-social elements responsible for such crimes.

In another case, Bengaluru police arrested a man for allegedly raping and killing a six-year-old girl at Hoysala Nagar in the city last week. Abhishek Kumar, who hails from Bihar and works as a construction labourer, raped the girl in the absence of his parents, as per reports.