A young woman living in a paying guest accommodation in Bengaluru became the victim of a terrifying stalking and assault campaign, allegedly by a man she first connected with on Instagram. The Jnanabharathi police have since arrested the accused, highlighting the dangers of online interactions turning into real-world threats.
From Instagram Chat to Real-World Harassment
The victim, a 21-year-old native of Shringeri identified as Archana (name changed), had moved to Bengaluru for work nearly two years ago. According to her police complaint, the ordeal began on September 30, when she posted a work-related advertisement on her Instagram account while working as a tele-caller.
The accused, Naveen Kumar N (29), a resident of Billamaranahalli near Yelahanka, responded to the post. After a few days of chatting on the platform, they exchanged phone numbers. What started as cordial meetings in Nagarabhavi over the next three months took a sinister turn when Naveen Kumar began pressuring Archana to accept his romantic proposal.
"Despite her clear and repeated assertions that she was not interested, the accused escalated his behaviour," a police official stated. The harassment intensified to the point where he would follow her whenever she left her PG accommodation or workplace, constantly tracking her movements and refusing to leave her alone.
The Escalation to Physical Violence
The situation became so unbearable that Archana was forced to quit her job at the developer's firm and shift to a different PG accommodation in Jnanajyothinagar on Ullal Main Road. However, this drastic step did not deter her stalker.
Naveen Kumar allegedly continued to follow her to the new PG premises, verbally abusing and physically assaulting her on multiple occasions. The confrontation reached a critical point on Monday, December 22, between 3:20 pm and 3:40 pm.
As Archana stepped out of her PG with a friend on a scooter, Naveen Kumar intercepted them in his car. He then allegedly assaulted her, hitting her on the head, back, and neck. In a further act of aggression, he attempted to tear her clothes during the attack.
Showing immense presence of mind, the victim immediately called the emergency police helpline 112. Unfortunately, by the time police personnel reached the spot, the accused had fled the scene.
Swift Police Action and Legal Repercussions
Based on Archana's detailed complaint, the Jnanabharathi police registered a comprehensive case under the stringent Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The charges invoked were serious and multifaceted:
- Section 74: Assault or use of criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty.
- Section 75: Sexual harassment.
- Section 76: Assault or use of criminal force to a woman with intent to disrobe.
- Section 78: Stalking.
- Section 79: Word, gesture, or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman.
- Section 351: Criminal intimidation.
Acting swiftly on the complaint, the police tracked down and arrested Naveen Kumar shortly after the incident. Deputy Commissioner of Police (South-West) Anitha B. Haddannavar confirmed that the arrest was made within 24 hours of the case being registered.
During interrogation, the accused presented a different narrative. He claimed that after their Instagram acquaintance, they had fallen in love and later developed disputes. He stated that his frustration grew after Archana blocked his mobile number and social media accounts. In a fit of anger, he went to her PG to talk, and assaulted her when she refused, a senior police officer recounted.
The police have stated that further investigation into the matter is ongoing. This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential for cyber harassment to spill over into physical violence and the importance of swift legal intervention in such matters of women's safety.
