Bengaluru, Karnataka – Four engineering students from Bengaluru were abducted and robbed after a trip to Hoskote on Sunday night, police reported. The incident occurred near Attibele, on the outskirts of the city, sending shockwaves through the student community and raising concerns about safety on peripheral roads.
The students, all pursuing engineering at various colleges in Bengaluru, had gone to Hoskote for a biryani outing. While returning around 11:30 PM, their vehicle was intercepted by a group of unidentified individuals near the Attibele toll plaza. According to police statements, the perpetrators forcibly stopped the car and abducted the students.
The victims were then taken to a secluded location where they were subjected to a violent robbery. The assailants allegedly stripped the students of their valuables, including cash, mobile phones, and other personal belongings. They also reportedly assaulted the students before abandoning them near Sarjapur Road.
One of the students managed to contact the police after they were released. A team from the Attibele police station immediately rushed to the location and initiated a rescue operation. All four students were found safe, though shaken and traumatized by the ordeal. They received initial medical attention at a nearby hospital.
Investigation Underway
Police have launched a full-scale investigation into the incident, forming multiple teams to track down the perpetrators. Preliminary investigations suggest that the gang has been involved in similar robberies in the area previously. Authorities are analyzing CCTV footage from the toll plaza and surrounding areas to identify the suspects and their vehicle.
“We are treating this case with the utmost seriousness,” stated a senior police officer involved in the investigation. “We are working diligently to apprehend the culprits and ensure that such incidents do not recur. We are also increasing patrolling in vulnerable areas, especially during late hours.”
The incident has sparked a debate about the safety of students traveling on the outskirts of Bengaluru, particularly at night. Many students have expressed concerns about the lack of adequate security measures and the increasing instances of criminal activities in these areas. Student organizations have called for increased police presence and improved street lighting to deter potential offenders.
Police are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist with the investigation. They have also advised students to avoid traveling alone at night and to inform their families or friends about their whereabouts. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the police make progress in their pursuit of the suspects. The victims are currently cooperating with the police in providing detailed accounts of the incident to aid in the identification and apprehension of the perpetrators.
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