Bengaluru Instagram Stalking Case: Man Arrested for Groping 21-Year-Old PG Resident In Broad Daylight

Bengaluru police have arrested a 29-year-old man for allegedly stalking and assaulting a young woman he befriended on Instagram. The incident took place near a paying guest (PG) accommodation in Jnanajyothinagar on December 22.

The accused has been identified as Naveen Kumar N, a resident of Billamaranahalli near Yelahanka. He was arrested by Jnanabharathi police shortly after the woman filed a complaint.

The survivor, a 21-year-old woman referred to as Archana, told police that she moved to Bengaluru about two years ago and was staying in a PG while working as a tele-caller at a developer's firm. According to her complaint, she came in contact with Naveen Kumar after he responded to an Instagram advertisement she had posted for her employer on September 30.

Police said the two initially spoke online and later exchanged phone numbers. For nearly three months, Naveen Kumar behaved politely during calls and meetings around Nagarabhavi. However, Archana alleged that his behaviour later changed, and he began pressuring her to accept his proposal for a relationship. She said she clearly refused several times.

Despite her rejection, Archana claimed Naveen Kumar continued to follow her whenever she left her PG or workplace. She alleged that he tracked her movements, verbally abused her, and assaulted her on multiple occasions. Due to the harassment, she said she quit her job and shifted to another PG accommodation.

Even after changing her residence, the woman alleged that the harassment did not stop. According to the complaint, Naveen Kumar reached the new PG location as well and continued to argue, abuse, and assault her whenever she stepped outside.

The December 22 incident reportedly occurred between 3.20 pm and 3.40 pm near the PG in Jnanajyothinagar. Archana told police that she was leaving the building with a friend on a scooter when Naveen Kumar intercepted them in a car and blocked their way. She alleged that he hit her on the head, back, and neck, and also attempted to tear her clothes.

Archana immediately called the emergency helpline 112. By the time police reached the spot, the accused had fled. Jnanabharathi police later recorded her statement, gathered details of the earlier harassment, and began tracing the suspect.

Based on the complaint, police registered a case under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges related to assault, sexual harassment, stalking, attempted disrobing, criminal intimidation, and insulting the modesty of a woman.

Naveen Kumar was arrested within 24 hours of the case being registered. During questioning, he reportedly claimed that both were in a relationship and that disputes arose later. Police said the accused admitted going near the PG to speak with the woman and allegedly assaulted her after she refused to engage.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (South-West) Anitha B. Haddannavar confirmed the arrest and said further investigation is ongoing. Police are now collecting additional evidence related to the alleged earlier assaults and tracking the accused's movements near the woman's residence and workplace.

Officials said the case highlights the risks of social media interactions turning into stalking and violence, especially for young working women living in PG accommodations.