In a shocking incident that has once again raised serious concerns over women's safety in the city, the Bengaluru police have booked a young man under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for allegedly raping a Pre-University Course (PUC) student. The accused, described as a "friend" of the victim, reportedly forced her to consume alcohol before committing the heinous act.
Details of the Incident
According to the police report, the victim is a minor studying in a private college in Bengaluru. The incident occurred earlier this week when the accused invited the girl to a secluded location under the pretext of meeting or a social gathering.
- Forced Consumption: The survivor alleged in her statement that the accused pressured her into drinking alcohol.
- The Assault: Once she was in an inebriated state and unable to defend herself, the accused allegedly sexually assaulted her.
- Threats: Following the act, the accused reportedly threatened the girl with "dire consequences" if she revealed the incident to anyone.
Police Action and POCSO Charges
Despite the threats, the victim informed her parents, who immediately approached the local police station. Recognizing that the survivor is a minor, the police registered the case under the POCSO Act along with relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for rape and criminal intimidation.
"We have taken the accused into custody and are conducting a thorough investigation," a senior police official stated. "The victim has undergone medical examination, and we are gathering forensic evidence to build a strong case."
Community Outrage
The incident has sparked outrage on social media, with many calling for stricter monitoring of safety in student-populated areas. This case follows a string of recent reports involving crimes against students in Bengaluru, prompting calls for better awareness programs regarding "acquaintance rape" and the dangers of substance-facilitated crimes.
The police have urged parents and students to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior or harassment immediately to the 112 emergency helpline.
