Police in Bengaluru have made swift arrests in a disturbing case of sexual assault and blackmail, sending a strong message against such crimes. Two college students and an electrician have been taken into custody for the alleged gang-rape of a 19-year-old student and for blackmailing her using an obscene video recorded without her knowledge.
Arrests Made in Magadi Town
The accused, all residents of Magadi town, have been identified as G Vikas, 20, a student of Allied Health Sciences; N Prashant, 20, a Bachelor of Commerce student; and their friend Chetan J, 26, who works as an electrician. Following their arrest, a local court has remanded all three to judicial custody at the Ramanagara district prison.
The arrests were triggered by a formal complaint filed by the survivor, who is a student at a private college in Bengaluru. The accused, Vikas and Prashant, attend different private colleges on the city's outskirts and commute daily from their hometown of Magadi.
Modus Operandi: Friendship, Betrayal, and Coercion
According to the police investigation, the ordeal began approximately six months ago when Vikas first befriended the young woman through social media. Gaining her trust, he allegedly took her to a vacant house in Magadi belonging to his friend Chetan.
It was there that Vikas secretly recorded their private moments without the survivor's consent. This illicit video then became a tool for horrific exploitation. The police state that Vikas shared the recording with Prashant and Chetan.
The trio then allegedly used the video to blackmail and coerce the survivor into repeated sexual acts under the threat of making the footage public. This cycle of abuse continued until the victim found the courage to approach the authorities.
Police Action and a Call to Break the Silence
Acting promptly on the complaint, the police team moved to apprehend the accused. Their mobile phones have been seized and sent to the forensic science laboratory for expert analysis to retrieve any deleted videos or crucial digital evidence that could strengthen the case.
A senior police official, commenting on the case, issued a strong appeal to other potential victims. He emphasized that "Silence only emboldens offenders." The official urged victims of sexual exploitation to come forward without delay, assuring that reporting such crimes at the earliest helps prevent further abuse and ensures the perpetrators are held accountable.
This case highlights the dangerous intersection of social media, digital privacy violations, and gender-based violence, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and robust support systems for survivors.
