Bengaluru: Four foreign national women allegedly escaped from a shelter operating under the supervision of the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in Bengaluru, prompting police to register a case and launch a search operation. Authorities said investigations are underway to trace the women and determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to officials, the women escaped from a shelter facility located near KRC Road in Dodda Gubbi under the jurisdiction of Kothanur police station.
Women allegedly escaped through window
Police stated that the four women allegedly escaped from the New Ark Mission of India (Home of Hope) by breaking open a window between 3 am and 6 am on May 11.
The women have been identified as Topista Kwikiriza, Tibiwa Irena, Safina Nakanyike, all from Uganda, and Fitina Nzeyimana from Burundi.
Authorities said efforts to trace the women immediately after the incident were unsuccessful.
Police register case after complaint
An FIR was registered on May 15 based on a complaint filed by Srinivas N, manager of the shelter facility.
Police stated that the complaint was filed after internal efforts to locate the women failed to produce results.
Following the registration of the case, Kothanur police initiated an investigation and launched search operations to trace the missing individuals.
Officials are examining available information and gathering details related to the incident.
Shelter houses foreign nationals under FRRO directions
According to information available in the FIR, the shelter facility has been functioning since 1998 and houses foreign nationals under the direction of the FRRO.
The facility reportedly accommodates foreign nationals who are brought there through various police stations in Bengaluru.
Authorities stated that at present, the shelter houses 22 male and 18 female foreign nationals.
Officials are expected to review security procedures and circumstances that enabled the alleged escape from the facility.
Investigation underway
Police sources stated that investigators are continuing efforts to locate the women and establish their movements after leaving the shelter.
According to reports, the women had allegedly overstayed their visas and have been booked under relevant provisions of immigration-related laws.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding the progress of the search operation.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials are expected to take further action based on findings emerging from the case.