Bengaluru:A 24-year-old woman staying at a co-living paying guest (PG) facility in Whitefield faced a horrifying assault in the early hours of September 16 when a man known to her barged into her room, attacked her with a knife, and allegedly sexually assaulted and extorted her.
Woman attacked inside her PG room
According to the complaint filed by the survivor, identified as Rithu (name changed), the incident occurred around 3 am when she heard the doorbell and assumed it was her friend. Instead, it was Sai Babu Chennuru, 37, who also resides in the same PG accommodation.
Police said the accused locked the door from inside, pulled out a knife and stabbed her on the left side of her back before proceeding to strip and assault her. The survivor told investigators that he clicked explicit photos on his mobile phone, kissed her forcibly, and threatened to kill both her and himself if she resisted further.
Extortion and threats
The accused demanded ₹70,000 from the woman and, when she said she did not have the money, transferred ₹14,000 from her digital wallet into his own account. He allegedly threatened to leak her photos to her family and friends if she disclosed the incident.
Despite her injuries, Rithu managed to alert a friend, who rushed her to a hospital at around 7 am.
Police action and counter-complaint
Based on her statement, police booked Sai on charges of attempt to murder, outraging the modesty of a woman, sexual harassment and extortion.
However, on September 17, Sai filed a counter-complaint, claiming he had been in a relationship with the woman for the past two months and that their quarrel had led to the incident. He alleged that when he returned to the PG, some staffers and others confined and assaulted him.
Police confirmed that both complaints have been registered. “Sai has been arrested and further investigation is in progress,” a senior officer said.
Preliminary probe findings
Investigators revealed that the two were acquainted for a couple of months before the assault. Authorities are now verifying the claims made in both complaints, while ensuring the survivor receives medical and legal support.
Safety concerns in PG accommodations
The incident has once again raised questions about the safety and security of women in shared living spaces and PG facilities across Bengaluru, especially in areas like Whitefield, which see a large influx of young professionals.
Women’s rights activists have urged authorities to strengthen safety protocols and monitoring in such accommodations, stressing the need for stricter background checks and grievance redressal mechanisms.
Conclusion
While Sai remains in custody and the police continue their probe, the case underscores the urgent need for safer living conditions for women in Bengaluru’s growing PG and co-living sector.