Bengaluru: The Bengaluru Rural Police have arrested three men for allegedly gang-raping a 30-year-old woman from West Bengal and robbing her valuables during a violent house invasion on Tuesday night. The arrests were made early Wednesday after the police launched an intensive search operation based on the victim’s complaint.

Victim attacked during late-night home invasion

According to police officials, the accused — identified as Karthik, Glen Verghese, and Suyoga, aged between 22 and 25 — along with three accomplices, forcibly entered the woman’s rented accommodation late Tuesday. They allegedly threatened her at knifepoint and demanded money and valuables. The group reportedly stole two mobile phones and ₹25,000 in cash before committing the assault.

While three of the accused allegedly raped the woman, the remaining accomplices kept watch outside the house to prevent any escape or help from neighbours. The horrific incident has sparked outrage in the locality and prompted heightened police vigilance in the surrounding areas.

Police act swiftly, form special investigation teams

Superintendent of Police C.K. Baba said the police received the complaint around 12.30 am on Wednesday and immediately formed three special teams to track down the suspects. “The teams worked overnight, and within hours, we were able to arrest three of the accused. A DSP-level officer has been assigned to investigate the case,” he told reporters.

The arrested individuals are currently being interrogated, while efforts are underway to trace the remaining suspects who fled the scene.

Possible motive linked to tenant dispute

Preliminary investigation suggests that the crime may have been triggered by a personal dispute among tenants. The victim, who works at a salon and had gained popularity among customers, had reportedly drawn resentment from a fellow tenant.

According to police sources, one tenant — identified as a schoolteacher — had allegedly complained multiple times to the landlord about the woman’s activities. When no action was taken, the teacher reportedly enlisted the help of her student, who in turn brought in local criminals to intimidate the victim. Police believe this chain of events led to the violent incident.

Assault on other occupants during the attack

At the time of the attack, four people were present in the house — two women and two men. When one of the women tried to resist, the attackers allegedly assaulted her and locked the two men in the bathroom before dragging the victim into another room, where she was raped. The accused then fled the scene with the stolen items.

The survivor was taken to a nearby hospital, where she received medical treatment and is reported to be recovering.

Case registered under multiple BNS sections

Police have booked the accused under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:

  • Section 70 (gang rape)
  • Section 127 (wrongful confinement)
  • Section 118 (causing grievous hurt with dangerous means)
  • Section 311 (robbery with attempt to cause death or grievous hurt)
  • Section 190 (unlawful assembly)
  • Section 324 (mischief)

Police officials said further forensic and digital evidence is being collected, and the remaining suspects will be arrested soon.