17-Year-Old Student Sexually Abused, Blackmailed With Videos For Several Months; Three Held in Magadi

Police in Magadi have arrested three men in connection with the alleged sexual assault and online blackmail of a 17-year-old college student, in a case that investigators say involved months of intimidation, abuse and exploitation.

The accused, identified as Vikas (25), Prashant (19) and Chetan (28), are currently in custody. Police said the incident came to light after the teenager approached her family earlier this week, unable to endure the alleged harassment any longer.

According to the police, the victim first became acquainted with Vikas around eight months ago. The two lived in the same locality and belonged to the same community, which helped establish trust. Investigators allege that Vikas promised to marry the teenager, drawing her into a relationship under false pretences.

In September, Vikas allegedly invited the student to his house in Magadi, where he is accused of sexually assaulting her. Police said the act was secretly recorded on his mobile phone without the victim's knowledge, creating material that would later be used to threaten and control her.

The situation reportedly escalated in October. Police allege that Vikas used the video to blackmail the teenager, forcing her to return to his residence by threatening to make the footage public. During that visit, investigators say she was gang-raped by Vikas along with Prashant and Chetan.

Police further allege that the assault was recorded and that the explicit content was circulated digitally. When the teenager later resisted further demands, Vikas allegedly sent the video to her through social media as a direct threat, intensifying the pressure and fear of public humiliation.

The victim finally disclosed the ordeal to her family on Wednesday, following which a complaint was lodged at the Magadi Police Station. Acting swiftly, police traced and arrested all three accused by Thursday.

Mobile phones belonging to the accused have been seized and sent for forensic examination to assess the extent of video circulation and to secure digital evidence. Investigators are also examining whether any other individuals were involved or had access to the footage.

Superintendent of Police for Bengaluru South, Srinivas Gowda, confirmed the arrests and said the accused had allegedly misused intimate images to blackmail the teenager before committing the gang rape. He added that the investigation is ongoing and that all necessary steps are being taken to protect the victim.

The accused have been booked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including sections related to rape, gang rape and repeat offences. Police said they are working to ensure the removal of any circulated content and to prevent further misuse.

Authorities have urged victims of sexual abuse and online exploitation to come forward without fear, assuring that complaints will be handled with confidentiality and seriousness.