Bengaluru: A woman staying in a co-living paying guest accommodation was horrified after discovering that a fellow resident had allegedly entered her room in her absence, stolen her underwear and sanitary pads, and misused them in an obscene manner.CCTV footage allegedly captured the incident and helped identify the accused as another resident of the PG. Police have now arrested Giriraj D, 35, a native of Visakhapatnam district in Andhra Pradesh.According to the complaint filed by Namitha (name changed), 25, a private firm employee, she has been staying in a room on the first floor of the PG in Koramangala 6th Block (Zolo Hazel) for three months. She shares the room with Sinchana (name changed), and the two have the only key to the room. Since they leave for work at different times, the room is usually kept closed but unlocked.On Aug 24, around 7.20am, Namitha and her roommate left the room together without locking it. Taking advantage of this, the man allegedly entered the room and took some of Namitha’s personal belongings, including underwear and sanitary pads. He then arranged the items in an obscene manner.When Namitha returned, she was shocked to find her belongings disturbed and partially missing. She immediately informed the PG in-charge and later checked the CCTV footage, which showed the man entering the room and engaging in an obscene act with the stolen belongings.Further examination of the footage helped her identify the suspect as Giriraj, staying on the second floor of the same building. The PG in-charge and Namitha did not immediately approach the cops.However, the situation took a more alarming turn the following day when Giriraj allegedly tried to enter her room again around 6.50am. This prompted Namitha to approach police and lodge a complaint.Koramangala police have registered a case under Sections 78 (stalking), 79 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman), 305 (theft in a dwelling house, or means of transportation or place of worship, etc.) and 329 (criminal trespass and house trespass) of BNS.Giriraj has been remanded in judicial custody. “During interrogation, Giriraj said he works as an audit consultant for a jewellery showroom. He has sneaked into the room of the victim a few times and stolen innerwear,” a senior officer said.When TOI contacted the PG, the call centre executive declined to comment or connect to seniors.Stay Safe in Co-living Spaces* Always lock your room: Never leave the door unlocked, even for a short period. Carry your key whenever you step out, and if two or more persons are sharing a room, make a spare key* Do not share keys: Avoid lending your room key or access card to other residents or staff* Secure personal belongings: Keep intimate clothing, documents, valuables and electronic devices inside a locked cupboard or bag* Report suspicious behaviour immediately: If anyone enters your room or floor, follows you, or attempts to access your belongings, do not ignore it
