A PG hostel owner has been arrested for raping a Malayali college student who had been staying at his paying guest facility in Bengaluru. The accused, identified as Ashraf, a native of Kozhikode district in Kerala, was taken into custody by the police following a complaint filed by the survivor.
The incident occurred on Friday midnight. According to the student’s complaint, she had moved into Ashraf’s PG accommodation in Soladevanahalli just ten days ago. On the night of the assault, Ashraf arrived at the premises around 12.30 am and confronted the student in her room. He threatened her, saying he would provide food and accommodation only if she “cooperated” with him.
When she resisted, Ashraf reportedly grabbed her by the arms, forcibly dragged her into a car, and took her to another location where he raped her. The survivor stated that she attempted to inform her friend about the situation and tried to share her location using her phone, but was unable to do so.
After the assault, Ashraf dropped her back at the PG between 1.30 am and 2.15 am. The student subsequently filed a complaint at the local police station. She is currently undergoing medical treatment.
The victim is a graduate student at a private college in Soladevanahalli. The complaint was promptly registered by the police who arrested Ashraf. An investigation is underway, and further details are awaited.
This disturbing case comes barely a month after another paying guest owner in Bengaluru was accused of sexually assaulting a student, raising concerns over the safety and regulation of PG accommodations in the city, especially those housing women students from other states.
Authorities have urged educational institutions and PG facility owners to adhere to stricter screening and safety norms. Meanwhile, the police have assured that the case will be pursued with urgency and that the survivor’s statement will be central to the investigation.
