Bengaluru Woman Attacked In PG Highlights Safety Issues For Residents

In a shocking incident in Whitefield, a 24-year-old woman was allegedly stabbed by her male friend after she refused his sexual advances. The attack occurred early on Tuesday at a co-living facility where the woman had been staying for three months. Authorities reported that the accused also threatened her and demanded money in exchange for keeping the incident secret. This alarming case highlights issues of safety in shared living spaces and raises concerns about harassment and extortion.

Background of the Accused

The accused has been identified as Sai Babu Chennuru, 37, a resident of Andhra Pradesh. Chennuru is employed with a private company, while his wife and children continue to live in his hometown. Police sources mentioned that he and the victim had been friends, and his presence at the co-living facility was likely connected to this friendship. Chennuru’s actions, however, went beyond friendship and escalated into a criminal assault.

Victim’s Profile

The victim is a young professional who works as an analyst at a private bank. She has been living at the Pro4 Co-living PG accommodation in Whiterose Layout, Whitefield, for approximately three months. Being new to the city and living away from family, she was vulnerable to harassment, which unfortunately culminated in the attack. Police emphasized that the victim is cooperating fully with the investigation.

Details of the Attack

According to the police, around 3 am on September 16, Chennuru knocked on the woman’s room door and demanded sexual favours. When she refused, citing that she was on her periods, he stabbed her on the left side of her back with a kitchen knife, causing a minor injury. After injuring her, the accused allegedly stripped her and took photographs. He then threatened to circulate these images among her family and friends unless she paid him Rs 70,000.

Extortion Attempt and Flight

When the victim attempted to negotiate by saying she would borrow money from a friend, Chennuru forcibly took her phone. Using the phone, he transferred Rs 17,000 to his account through an online payment and fled the scene. The woman contacted a friend around 7 am, who rushed her to a private hospital. Based on the medico-legal case (MLC) report issued by the hospital, she filed a formal complaint with the police.

Police Response and Legal Action

The Whitefield police acted promptly on the complaint. A case was registered against Sai Babu Chennuru under multiple sections of law, including attempt to murder, assault with intent to outrage modesty, sexual harassment, and extortion. Later in the evening, Chennuru returned to the PG facility and was confronted by other residents. He was beaten before being handed over to the police. Following this, he was remanded in judicial custody.

Counter Complaint Filed by Accused

Chennuru, on the following day, filed a counter complaint alleging assault by five individuals, including staff members of the PG accommodation. In his statement, he claimed that he had been in a relationship with the victim for the past two months and that they had an argument before he temporarily left the PG facility. Upon returning later that night, he alleged he was verbally abused and physically attacked by PG staff members Pradeep, Shiva, and three other unidentified persons. The police have registered this complaint separately and are investigating it alongside the original case.

Concerns About Co-Living Safety

This incident has drawn attention to the safety of residents in co-living spaces. Experts say that shared accommodations, especially those housing young professionals, need stricter security measures, including CCTV surveillance, proper staffing, and rapid police coordination. Cases like these also highlight the importance of residents being aware of their legal rights and the processes for filing complaints immediately in case of harassment or assault.

Legal and Social Implications

Under Indian law, assaulting a woman with the intent to outrage her modesty, sexual harassment, and extortion are punishable offenses. Attempt to murder is considered a serious crime and can lead to life imprisonment. Authorities have urged women living independently to stay vigilant and report suspicious behaviour immediately. Social advocates have also called for co-living facilities to implement strict policies against harassment, provide staff training, and ensure a safe environment for all residents.

Current Status and Investigation

As of now, Sai Babu Chennuru remains in judicial custody, and the police continue to investigate both the original assault case and the counter complaint filed by him. The victim is reportedly recovering from her injuries, and authorities are ensuring that she receives both medical and legal support. The case is also expected to examine the role of the co-living facility staff in preventing such incidents and their responsibility toward resident safety.