wd Bengaluru: Police in Bengaluru have arrested 11 people in connection with the alleged kidnapping and assault of two software professionals, while two men have been arrested in a linked rape case.
The incidents reportedly originated at a rented apartment in Marathahalli, where three friends from Madanapalle in Andhra Pradesh lived while working in Bengaluru’s software sector.
According to the complaint, one of the flatmates, Manju, had travelled to his hometown when his friend Rajkumar asked to use the apartment for a day with his girlfriend. Manju reportedly advised him to collect the keys from the other residents.
Rajkumar and the woman subsequently arrived at the apartment. The complaint alleges that two other residents, Mahendra and Tarun, suspected the woman of being a sex worker.
Woman Alleges Sexual Assault
According to the allegations reported to police, Rajkumar was forcibly confined in a separate room while the woman was locked in another room. Mahendra is accused of sexually assaulting her during the early hours of the morning, between approximately 1.30 am and 4.30 am.
The woman was allegedly threatened and sent away the following morning. She reportedly disclosed the incident to Rajkumar later, after which the two decided to confront those accused.
Rajkumar subsequently informed Manju about the alleged assault. Investigators suspect that a group was assembled to target Mahendra and Tarun, with Manju allegedly providing information about their movements.
The claims relating to the sexual assault are under investigation, and the accused are entitled to due process.
Two Software Professionals Allegedly Abducted
Police said Mahendra was allegedly abducted by a group of men on motorcycles at around 2.30 am on Wednesday. Tarun was reportedly taken later, around 3 am, while returning home after completing his night shift.
The two men were allegedly taken to an isolated location and assaulted. The abductors then reportedly called Mahendra’s father using Tarun’s phone and demanded ₹10 lakh, threatening to kill Mahendra if the money was not paid.
After receiving the call, Mahendra’s father travelled from Andhra Pradesh to Marathahalli and alerted police through the emergency helpline 112.
Investigators examined CCTV footage and motorcycle details to trace those involved. Manju was also questioned as part of the investigation, and police suspect his involvement in the alleged conspiracy.
Police Rescue Victims, Arrest 11
A police team later raided a house in Nagarabhavi, where the two men were allegedly found being held and assaulted. The woman was also reportedly present at the location.
Six people were arrested at the house, while five others were subsequently taken into custody in connection with the kidnapping case.
Investigators suspect that the group intended to kill Mahendra and dispose of his body in an isolated area. They also allegedly planned to force Tarun to write a suicide note and make his death appear to be a suicide.
Police have arrested 11 people in connection with the alleged kidnapping and two men in the rape case. A search is reportedly underway for two additional suspects.
The investigation into the alleged sexual assault, abduction, assault and ransom demand is continuing. The allegations will be examined through the legal process.
