How Did a Nursing Student Become a Victim of Rape by Her PG Owner?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The importance of safety in rented accommodations.
- Victims must feel empowered to report crimes.
- Support systems are crucial for victims of sexual assault.
- Legal action must be swift and effective to ensure justice.
- Community awareness can prevent such incidents from happening.
Bengaluru, June 25 (NationPress) An alarming incident has emerged from Bengaluru on Wednesday, where a nursing student was reportedly sexually assaulted by the proprietor of a paying guest (PG) accommodation after she confessed to a theft, according to officials.
The authorities have detained the alleged perpetrator.
The individual arrested has been identified as Ravi Teja Reddy, a 35-year-old PG owner.
Police reports state that Reddy assaulted the 21-year-old woman after she admitted to stealing three gold rings from another female resident of the same PG.
In response to the victim's report, Reddy has been booked for rape and is now in police custody.
The victim, originally from Andhra Pradesh, had joined the PG just a week before the incident and was in search of employment, as stated by the police.
Investigations revealed that the victim had allegedly taken three gold rings from another PG resident.
She had also tampered with the CCTV camera by cutting its wire during the alleged theft.
However, she inquired with another resident if the CCTV footage would still be recorded despite the wire being severed.
This conversation was brought to Reddy's attention, raising his suspicions about the nursing student.
Reddy subsequently summoned the victim for interrogation and threatened to report her to the police.
After confessing to the theft, Reddy instructed his aides to recover the stolen items, according to police.
When the victim pleaded for forgiveness and requested he not involve the authorities, he allegedly slapped her and committed the assault.
Initially reluctant to report the incident, the victim later confided in a male friend.
The friend reached out to a lawyer based in the city, who assisted in filing a formal complaint with the police.
Following the complaint, the police arranged for a medical examination of the victim and apprehended the suspect.
Reddy has been charged under Sections 64(1), 74, and 75(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act.
In her statement, the victim claimed that Reddy initially touched her inappropriately under the guise of a search.
When she resisted, he allegedly coerced her into performing oral sex.
The FIR further indicates that the victim, feeling nauseated after the assault, rushed to the restroom.
Reddy followed her there and purportedly forced her into unnatural sexual acts again.
The victim also mentioned that Reddy subsequently threatened her to keep the incident confidential.
Only after receiving support from her friends did she find the courage to report the crime.