Bengaluru gang rape: 5, including municipal councillor’s son, arrested

Bengaluru: Five people, including the son of a Davangere municipal councillor, have been arrested in connection with the alleged gang rape of a 19-year-old woman at a private villa in Amrithahalli, north Bengaluru. The accused have been identified as Nikhil, Dixon, Anirudh, Mohit and Shravan.

Police said the survivor was befriended through Instagram and invited to a party at a villa owned by an IPS officer. In her complaint, she alleged that she was forced to consume pills and sexually assaulted by two men while unconscious. After the incident, Nikhil allegedly dropped her off near Lulu Mall in a car belonging to Mohit.

Investigators said Anirudh had booked the villa and was initially served a notice to appear for questioning. Following a detailed interrogation, he and two others were arrested. Police later confirmed the involvement of Shravan and Mohit.

According to the complaint, the accused targeted students from a leading college in Bengaluru. Police said the group used social media, particularly Instagram, to establish contact with young women, luring them with offers of photoshoots, modelling assignments and parties. They would first meet the women in pubs and cafés to gain their trust. Once the relationship strengthened, the victims were allegedly taken to villas under the pretext of parties and sexually assaulted.

The complaint also alleges that nude videos of the victims were recorded and used to threaten them. Police said at least 19 women have come forward with similar allegations, though seven have formally recorded statements so far.

Investigators added that Nikhil allegedly paid money to other accused persons in connection with these acts. The probe is ongoing, and further arrests are likely.