Bengaluru: The Bengaluru police have arrested five persons in connection with an alleged gang-rape linked to a private villa party in the city and have widened their investigation into how the property — owned by a senior IPS officer — was booked and used for the gathering.
The arrests include Nikhil, identified by police as the prime accused, and Dixon Sandra. Anirudh, described as a friend of Nikhil and the son of a former municipal council member from Davanagere, has also been taken into custody on charges of aiding the crime. All five accused are currently in police custody as the investigation progresses.
The case has drawn widespread attention due to the serious nature of the allegations and the ownership of the property where the incident reportedly took place.
Villa rented through online platform
According to investigators, the villa near Jakkur was rented through an online platform. While the property belongs to a senior IPS officer, it had allegedly been listed for rent by another individual.
Police are now examining the booking details, including who made the reservation, the payment trail and the documentation submitted at the time of rental. Officials are also verifying whether proper identification procedures were followed and if there were any lapses in due diligence.
The Police Commissioner is personally monitoring the case, underscoring its sensitivity and gravity. Officers have seized the mobile phones of all five accused and are scrutinising WhatsApp chats, call records, social media interactions and other digital evidence to establish the sequence of events.
Statements from at least seven witnesses — including the survivor and other attendees of the party — have been recorded so far.
Allegations in the FIR
The complaint was filed at the Amruthahalli Police Station by a first-year psychology student from Tamil Nadu who is currently studying in Bengaluru.
In her First Information Report (FIR), the survivor stated that she was invited to the villa on the night of February 14 after being contacted by one of the accused through Instagram.
She alleged that during the party, two men forcibly put a tablet into her mouth, after which she began to feel dizzy and eventually lost consciousness. Upon regaining partial consciousness, she alleged that she had been sexually assaulted.
The survivor further claimed that she was threatened with dire consequences if she disclosed the incident and was dropped near a mall the following day.
Police have stated that medical examination and forensic analysis are part of the ongoing investigation. They are also probing whether narcotic substances were consumed at the gathering.
Modus operandi under scrutiny
Preliminary findings suggest that Nikhil, a native of Sakleshpur, ran a second-hand car showroom and a car wash centre in Basaveshwaranagar. Investigators believe he allegedly befriended young women through Instagram and invited them to private parties.
Police suspect that students from reputed colleges were targeted and invited to such gatherings held at rented properties. The alleged use of social media to lure victims is a key aspect under investigation.
Officials are examining whether similar incidents may have occurred in the past and are appealing to anyone with relevant information to come forward.
Focus on accountability
The involvement of a property owned by a senior IPS officer has added another dimension to the case. However, police have clarified that the officer was not present at the location and that the villa had been rented out through a third party.
Investigators are focusing on ensuring accountability at all levels, including verifying compliance with rental norms and online platform regulations.
Senior officers have reiterated that the probe will be thorough and impartial. “No one found guilty will be spared,” a senior official said, adding that the safety of women remains a priority for the department.
As the investigation continues, the accused remain in custody and further arrests cannot be ruled out. Police have assured that all evidence — digital, forensic and testimonial — will be examined before filing a comprehensive charge sheet.
The case has once again highlighted concerns about safety at private gatherings and the potential misuse of social media platforms to target unsuspecting individuals. Authorities have urged citizens, especially students and young professionals, to exercise caution while accepting invitations from acquaintances made online.