Bengaluru Horror: Instagram ‘Friend’ Stalks And Assaults 21-Year-Old, Arrested In 24 Hours

Bengaluru: A 21-year-old girl's life in Bengaluru turned upside down the day her Instagram 'friend' turned violent. A 29-year-old man named Naveen Kumar stalked her for months, and when the girl blocked him, he attacked her in anger. On the afternoon of 22nd December, he came by car outside the PG, hit her on the head, back, and neck, and tried to tear the clothes. Everything was captured in CCTV—he is seen dragging and beating the girl. Police arrested him within 24 hours. Can social media friendship be so dangerous?

How did the conversation between the two begin?

The girl is a resident of Chikkamagaluru and has been working as a tele-caller in Bengaluru for two years. In September, Naveen commented on her Instagram post – There was a job ad. Chatting started, and numbers were exchanged. The first three months seemed normal, but then Naveen proposed. When the girl refused, stalking started—following her outside PG and the office, repeated calls, and foul language. The girl got so scared that she left her job and changed her PG. But Naveen did not agree. On December 22, she was standing with a friend on a scooter outside the PG when Naveen came by car and attacked her.

What statement did the accused give?

Naveen is unemployed, lives near Yelahanka, and manages his father's property. During interrogation he said, "I was in love, but then she blocked me, so I got angry." Jnanabharti police invoked various sections of BNS—Assault, Sexual Harassment, Stalking, Insulting Modi, and Criminal Intimidation. Investigation is going on, but this case is raising big questions on the safety of women.

What is the reaction on social media?

The video went viral on social media; people are also angry. The attack happened in broad daylight, and people nearby kept watching but did not help. A friend was on a scooter, but she also did not get off. Debate on social media—Danger of social media friendship: How strict are the stalking laws? When the girl complained, the police acted swiftly and arrested her within 24 hours. But the girl's life changed so much—she left her job and changed her house, but still she did not survive.

Are women safe in Bengaluru?

This case reminds us of the old problem of women's safety in Bengaluru. Danger of friendship with unknown people on social media. Girls are often troubled by such stalkers but are afraid to report them. This time when the report was made, action was taken. Will this give courage to others? If people like Naveen are punished, then perhaps there will be fear. But the biggest question is how long will women live in fear? Hopefully this case brings change.