Stalker On Bail Assaults Bengaluru Woman With Log in Sadashivanagar, She Remains in Coma

A 41-year-old woman, Kirthana Rajath, is fighting for her life in a critical condition after being attacked with a log by a man who had previously been charged with stalking in Sadashivanagar on Tuesday evening. Kirthana, a mother of two, underwent a five-hour brain surgery at MS Ramaiah Hospital and remains in a coma.

The assailant, 40-year-old Mallikarjun, a daily wage worker from Andhra Pradesh, was out on bail at the time of the attack. He had been previously charged under Section 79 of the BNS, but his bail meant he was free to roam the streets. According to Kirthana's husband, Rajath Ramachandran, a businessman, Mallikarjun had been reported for inappropriately behaving towards women on two previous occasions.

Mallikarjun had been waiting near Kirthana's car, parked on 8th Cross of 8th Main Road, before he struck her from behind with a log. When her friend and a passerby attempted to intervene, he threatened them, and continued to assault her as she fell. Fortunately, his attempt to flee was thwarted by some walkers who handed him over to the police.

Mallikarjun has been booked under Section 304 (attempted murder), however, it was reported in the original news story as section 109 of BNS. Rajath shared that Mallikarjun had been specifically targeting his wife's friend, who had previously filed a complaint against him. He admitted to having planned to attack her on both Monday and Tuesday, but decided to target Kirthana instead.

Kirthana's daughters, who are studying in Class X and Class VI, are staying with their grandparents during this difficult time. The family is seeking justice for Kirthana, who is still battling for her life.

In response to the attack, the Sadashivanagar Residents' Welfare Association has submitted a petition to Home Minister Dr. G Parameshwara, requesting improved security for walkers at Sankey Tank. The association has also called on BESCOM to fix the faulty streetlights in the area, which are believed to have contributed to the lack of awareness of the impending attack.

"We have increased patrolling in the area, and anyone in need of assistance can call 112," said DCP (Central) Shekhar H Tekkanavar, in response to the lack of previous action against Mallikarjun.