In the early hours of Thursday, armed men allegedly broke into two paying guest (PG) accommodations in Chandigarh and attempted to molest women. The incidents share striking similarities, including the suspects escaping on bicycles after the victims raised alarms. Police have registered cases and are analyzing CCTV footage from the areas.
First Incident in Sector 16
A 22-year-old woman filed a complaint with the Sector 17 police stating that between 2:30 am and 3 am, an unidentified man entered her room in a PG in Sector 16 while she was asleep. He molested her, and when she resisted, he brandished a knife to intimidate her. The victim grabbed the knife and started screaming, causing the accused to flee on a bicycle. During the struggle, she sustained a knife cut on her hand. She was taken to Government Multi-Specialty Hospital (GMSH)-16, where she received primary medical care and was discharged.
Second Incident in Sector 37
In a similar case, a 23-year-old woman residing in a PG in Sector 37 reported that around 4 am, an unidentified man entered her room while she was sleeping. He attempted to molest her, and when she raised an alarm, he threatened her with a knife. He attacked her when she screamed but did not inflict a serious injury. The accused again fled the scene on a bicycle.
Police Investigation
Given the nearly identical modus operandi, police suspect the same individual may be responsible for both crimes. Authorities are gathering information about suspicious individuals seen riding bicycles late at night. Police officials confirmed that teams have been formed to track the accused, and an arrest is expected soon.
These consecutive incidents of break-ins, molestation, and knife threats have heightened concerns about women's safety in the city. Residents and authorities are calling for increased security measures in PG accommodations.
