News Flash Daily
27 February 
A chilling investigation by city police has uncovered a well-organised network that allegedly used social media, narcotics and sexual assault to exploit college-going women, many of them from outside Karnataka
Bengaluru: A routine investigation into a gang rape complaint has led police to uncover a disturbing criminal racket operating in Bengaluru, where college students were allegedly targeted, drugged, sexually assaulted and blackmailed. The case, registered by the Amruthahalli police, has sent shockwaves through academic and law-enforcement circles due to the scale and planning involved.
According to senior police officials, the accused—identified as Nikhil and Dixon—allegedly used Instagram to befriend young women studying in reputed colleges. Investigators believe Nikhil was the mastermind behind the operation, while Dixon and others assisted in identifying and trapping victims.
How the Racket Operated
Police sources said the accused initially approached students under seemingly harmless pretexts such as friendship, modelling offers, photo shoots or party invitations. Early meetings reportedly took place at public venues like cafés and pubs to build trust. Victims were later invited to private villas under the guise of “after-parties,” where they were allegedly given drinks laced with narcotic substances or forced to consume drugs, leaving them semi-conscious or unconscious.
Investigators allege that the accused then sexually assaulted the victims and secretly recorded videos and photographs, which were later used to blackmail and repeatedly exploit them. Many victims reportedly remained silent out of fear of social stigma and damage to their personal reputation.
“The modus operandi shows a clear pattern of grooming, drugging and blackmail. This was not an isolated crime but a structured network,” a senior police officer involved in the probe.
Victims Come Forward After Formal Complaint
The network came to light after a college student lodged a detailed complaint, prompting a deeper investigation by the police. Following this, around 19 young women have approached authorities with information related to sexual abuse and coercion. Police are now examining whether individuals with political connections or influential backgrounds were indirectly involved or offered protection to the accused.
The complainant in the present case is reportedly a student from Tamil Nadu. Police said Dixon allegedly contacted her under the pretext of a romantic relationship, gained her trust and invited her to a party. When she refused to cooperate sexually, she was allegedly drugged and assaulted.
Attempt to Discredit the Survivor
In a significant development, police revealed that before the survivor filed her complaint, the accused Nikhil had approached the Malleshwaram Police Station on February 21, accusing the woman of blackmail. However, after the survivor’s statement, a gang rape case was registered at the Amruthahalli Police Station. Investigators believe this was a deliberate attempt to pre-emptively portray the victim as the offender.
Police have since arrested Nikhil from Sakleshpur and Dixon, a native of West Bengal. Further investigation is underway to identify additional victims, recover digital evidence, and determine whether more individuals were part of the operation.
Authorities have reiterated their appeal to victims to come forward, assuring confidentiality and legal protection as the probe continues.
