Two lecturers from a private college in Moodabidri and their friend have been arrested in Bengaluru for allegedly raping and blackmailing a college student. The case came to light after the victim filed a complaint with the Karnataka State Women’s Commission, prompting swift action from Marathahalli Police, who registered the case on July 5.
The arrested accused have been identified as Narendra, a Physics lecturer; Sandeep, a Biology lecturer; and Anoop, a friend of the two teachers. All three are associated with a private college in Bengaluru. The survivor is a student from the same institution, located in Moodabidri in Dakshina Kannada district.
According to the police complaint, Narendra first approached the student under the guise of offering academic help. He frequently messaged her, gradually building a friendship. When the student visited Bengaluru, Narendra invited her to Anoop’s residence in Marathahalli on the pretext of sharing more academic notes. It was here that he allegedly raped her and threatened her with dire consequences if she spoke about the incident.
The ordeal worsened when Narendra shared details of the assault with his friend, Sandeep. Sandeep then began blackmailing the student using photos and videos reportedly taken during the assault. He later raped her at the same location, using the material to threaten and control her.
In the third instance, Anoop allegedly used CCTV footage of the student entering his residence to intimidate her and then sexually assaulted her as well.
Though the assaults took place over a month ago, the survivor only recently confided in her parents when they visited her in Bengaluru. Distressed by their daughter's ordeal, the family approached the Karnataka State Women’s Commission, which instructed the police to take immediate action.
“The case was registered on July 5. Based on the victim’s complaint, we have arrested three individuals,” said Ramesh Banoth, Joint Commissioner of Police, East Division.
The three accused — Narendra, Sandeep, and Anoop — were arrested and presented before a court. The case highlights serious concerns about student safety and the abuse of authority by those in academic positions.
[Rh/Eth/VP]