Bengaluru Home Invasion: Pregnant Woman Brutally Attacked, Rs 7.4 Lakh Looted
In a shocking incident that has sent shockwaves through the city, a gang of three armed men brutally attacked a 25-year-old pregnant woman at her residence in east Bengaluru and made off with gold ornaments and cash valued at over Rs 7.4 lakh. The horrific assault occurred on the night of January 26, leaving the victim, Athifa Banu, with severe injuries as she recovers while expecting her first child.
Details of the Brutal Attack
According to a complaint filed by her husband, Sameer Khan (26), the incident unfolded between 11 PM and 12:30 AM when Athifa was alone at home. The family resides on the first floor of their house in Govindapura, with the ground floor rented out to tenants. Athifa reported that she heard a knock on the door and, upon opening it, was confronted by three masked intruders who forced their way inside.
The assailants allegedly subjected Athifa to a vicious assault, inserting a knife into her mouth and twisting it, causing significant injuries. They then ransacked the home, locating and stealing four gold bangles weighing approximately 40 grams, two silver bracelets, two artificial necklaces, and Rs 4 lakh in cash.
Husband's Harrowing Ordeal
Sameer Khan, a pharmacist, had stepped out for work earlier that evening. He received a call from his sister informing him that their mother had been admitted to a hospital. As he was heading to the hospital around 12:30 AM, he received an urgent call from his tenant, alerting him to an emergency at the building and urging him to return immediately.
"As I rushed back home, a miscreant hiding near a van attempted to attack me with a dagger and a machete," Sameer recounted. He managed to evade the attacker and hurried upstairs, where he discovered three men threatening his wife at knifepoint. When Sameer confronted them, they tried to assault him with a machete before fleeing the scene. He found Athifa bleeding profusely from her mouth.
Police Investigation and Evidence
In their haste to escape, the perpetrators left behind a Suzuki Burgman scooter and two mobile phones, which have been seized by the police. Authorities have launched an intensive manhunt to apprehend the suspects, who were described as wearing masks and appearing to be in their 20s.
A senior police officer confirmed that Athifa is currently recovering from her injuries. The case has drawn significant attention due to the brutality of the attack and the vulnerability of the victim, who is pregnant with her first child.
Community and Safety Concerns
This incident has raised serious concerns about home safety and crime in Bengaluru, particularly in residential areas. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities promptly. The police are continuing their investigation, analyzing the evidence left behind and pursuing all leads to bring the culprits to justice.