Bengaluru, October 22: In a shocking incident in Bengaluru, a 44-year-old man allegedly sexually assaulted his friend's minor daughter after the girl's father failed to repay a loan of INR 40,000. The alleged assault took place in Madanayakanahalli, where the accused reportedly took advantage of the victim being home alone. The accused frequently visited the family home and capitalised on the trust built over their friendship. The victim endured significant emotional turmoil due to threats from the accused, which initially kept her silent about the traumatic experience.

According to a Times of India report, the accused, identified as Ravi Kumar, had a well-established relationship with the 17-year-old victim's family, having lent her father a total of INR 70,000 six months prior. After receiving only INR 30,000 in repayments, Kumar began pressuring the father for the remaining amount and the interest, leading him to visit the family frequently. It was during one of these visits in August that the alleged assault occurred. Kumar reportedly warned the victim against revealing the crime. Bengaluru Shocker: Brother-Sister Suspected To Have Drowned in Kengeri Lake, Search Operation Underway To Recover Bodies (Watch Video).

The victim finally found the courage to disclose her ordeal to her family earlier this month, prompting them to seek medical attention. Following this, they filed a complaint with the Bagalagunte police. However, an investigation revealed that the case fell under the jurisdiction of the Madanayakanahalli police. This revelation led to a transfer of the case to the appropriate police station for further action. Bengaluru Shocker: Woman Wakes Up to Find Dead Friend Lying Next to Her; Deceased Woman’s Husband Detained.

Subsequently, as reported by The Hindu, the police arrested the accused, Ravi Kumar, last week under various sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, due to the victim being a minor at the time of the assault. Authorities are now continuing their investigation, ensuring that the victim receives the necessary support while the accused is lodged at Bengaluru Central Prison.

Women and Child Helpline Numbers:

Childline India – 1098; Missing Child and Women – 1094; Women’s Helpline – 181; National Commission for Women Helpline – 112; National Commission for Women Helpline Against Violence – 7827170170; Police Women and Senior Citizen Helpline – 1091/1291.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 22, 2024 06:55 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).