The city of Bengaluru, known for its thriving IT industry and cosmopolitan culture, was recently shaken by a disturbing case in Whitefield. A 24-year-old woman reported being stabbed, sexually harassed, and extorted by a fellow paying guest (PG) resident in the early hours of Tuesday morning. The case, which has generated widespread discussion across Bengaluru, quickly grew complex after the accused filed a counter-complaint, creating two separate First Information Reports (FIRs).
Shocking Attack in Bengaluru’s Whitefield
According to police reports, the victim, who works as an analyst with a private bank in Bengaluru, was attacked at around 3 a.m. at her PG in White Rose Layout, Whitefield. She opened the door believing a friend was visiting, but instead faced fellow resident Sai Babu Chennuru, a 37-year-old man originally from Andhra Pradesh.
Once inside, Chennuru allegedly locked the door and brandished a knife. The woman’s statement describes a terrifying ordeal in which she was stabbed on her back, stripped, photographed without consent, and threatened with further violence. The incident has left Bengaluru’s residents horrified, raising urgent questions about women’s safety in shared accommodations.
Extortion and Threats in Bengaluru PG
The victim further alleged that the accused extorted money from her during the incident. According to her testimony, Chennuru forced her to transfer ₹14,000 through a UPI payment and demanded an additional ₹70,000 before leaving. His threats reportedly included both killing her and taking his own life if she resisted.
A friend of the survivor later rushed her to a private hospital in Bengaluru, where she was treated for her injuries and gave her official statement to the police. Based on her account, officers registered a case involving trespass, extortion, attempted murder, and molestation.
Counter-Complaint Adds Complexity
The case, however, took a surprising turn when Chennuru filed his own complaint. In his version of events, he claimed to have been in a relationship with the woman for the past two months. According to him, the incident was the result of a personal dispute rather than a premeditated attack.
Chennuru further alleged that PG staff members and other residents attacked him around 10:30 p.m. on the same night. His complaint mentions being beaten with hands, wires, and iron rods, leading to injuries on his legs, hands, and face. He was also admitted to a hospital in Bengaluru for treatment.
The counter-complaint has led to a second FIR, deepening the complexity of the case and raising new questions for investigators.
Police Investigation in Bengaluru
Police officials confirmed that both the woman and Chennuru knew each other before the incident, which has complicated the investigation. Officers are now examining evidence, including digital records, witness statements, and CCTV footage from the PG premises in Whitefield, Bengaluru.
Authorities stressed that while both sides have made serious allegations, the investigation will proceed methodically to ensure that the truth emerges. The suspect, Chennuru, remains in custody as inquiries continue.
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Bengaluru’s Safety Concerns
This case has once again highlighted growing concerns about safety in Bengaluru’s PG accommodations, especially for women working in the city’s tech and banking sectors. Whitefield, a hub for IT professionals, hosts thousands of young employees who rely on PGs for affordable housing. However, incidents like this raise fears about whether these spaces are adequately monitored or secure.
Local activists and women’s groups in Bengaluru have called for stronger safety measures in PG facilities. Suggestions include stricter tenant verification processes, installation of CCTV cameras, emergency helplines, and mandatory staff training on how to handle harassment or violence.
The Broader Picture in Bengaluru
While Bengaluru is celebrated as India’s Silicon Valley, the darker side of urban life often emerges in the form of crimes that challenge the city’s reputation. Rising cases of harassment, extortion, and assaults within residential facilities point to a gap in the enforcement of safety standards.
The Whitefield PG incident has drawn attention from both the media and policymakers. Residents across Bengaluru are demanding that authorities not only resolve this specific case but also implement preventive measures to avoid similar tragedies in the future.
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