BENGALURU: In a deeply disturbing incident that has shocked the city, a 21-year-old engineering student was arrested for allegedly raping his college mate inside a men’s washroom at a private engineering college in South Bengaluru. The accused, identified as Jeevan Gowda, a sixth-semester student, was taken into custody by the police on Wednesday and has since been remanded to judicial custody.
The incident reportedly took place on October 10, while the survivor, a seventh-semester student at the same institution, lodged a complaint five days later, on October 15, at the Hanumanthanagar Police Station.
According to the First Information Report (FIR), the case has been registered under Section 64 (Punishment for Rape) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which replaced the earlier Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Survivor and Accused Knew Each Other
Police sources revealed that the survivor and the accused had known each other for some time. They were initially classmates until Gowda was detained in his academic progress due to backlogs. On the day of the alleged assault, the survivor had met Gowda to collect some belongings. The situation took a horrific turn when the accused allegedly forced himself on her inside the restroom.
The FIR notes that following the assault, Gowda reportedly made an insensitive remark, asking the survivor, “Do you need a pill?” — a statement that has further enraged public sentiment.
Survivor Hesitated to Report the Assault
According to investigating officers, the survivor was initially hesitant to approach the police. Distressed and traumatised by the incident, she confided in her parents several days later, after which they accompanied her to the police station to file a complaint.
“The survivor was visibly shaken and frightened. She took some time before deciding to come forward. Her parents played a crucial role in encouraging her to report the incident,” a senior police officer said.
Investigation and Lack of CCTV Evidence
Authorities conducted a crime scene reconstruction on Thursday to understand the sequence of events. However, the investigation has encountered a setback due to the absence of CCTV cameras on the floor where the crime occurred. Police officials confirmed that while there is no direct video evidence, forensic samples and digital traces are being examined to build a strong case.
The forensic team has collected evidence from the washroom area, and both the accused and the survivor have undergone medical examinations. Police said that digital communications between the two will also be scrutinised as part of the probe.
College Yet to Issue a Statement
The private engineering college where the incident allegedly occurred has not released any official statement so far. Students have expressed concern about the lack of adequate security measures, particularly the absence of CCTV cameras in sensitive areas of the campus.
Several student unions have called for an immediate review of campus safety policies, demanding stricter oversight, better surveillance infrastructure, and gender-sensitivity programs within educational institutions.
Political Reactions and Public Outcry
The case has triggered a strong political response, especially from the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has accused the ruling Congress government of failing to maintain law and order in the state.
In a post on social media, R Ashoka, the Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, said, “The law and order situation in Karnataka has collapsed. In just four months, there have been 979 sexual assaults on girls, and Bengaluru alone has recorded over 114 cases.”
He further alleged that the Congress government’s “criminal inaction” has created an environment of fear among women and children. Ashoka stated that he has written to the National Commission for Women (NCW), urging it to send a fact-finding team to examine the rising incidents of sexual violence in the state.
“The BJP will not remain silent while our sisters and daughters are unsafe. The government must take responsibility and act swiftly to protect women,” he added.
Public Demands for Accountability
The incident has reignited discussions about women’s safety on educational campuses across India. Activists have urged authorities to implement immediate reforms, including setting up complaint cells, enhancing security systems, and sensitizing students and staff about consent and gender-based violence.
Police officials have assured that the investigation is being conducted on priority and that a charge sheet will be filed soon once forensic and digital evidence is consolidated.
