Staff Correspondent
Sri Vijaya Puram, August 7: In a deeply disturbing development that has shocked residents of Sri Vijaya Puram, an abandoned building situated in the heart of the city has allegedly become the scene of repeated sexual exploitation, raising serious concerns over the safety of neglected and ruined structures across the islands. The incident, which is currently under police investigation, has once again highlighted the urgent need for regular surveillance and patrolling of abandoned buildings to prevent anti-social and criminal activities.
According to information available so far, a complaint has been lodged by a young woman this morning, aged above 18 years, alleging that she was allegedly lured by two men and taken to the abandoned Lighthouse Cinema building, which has remained closed and in ruins for the past few decades. As per her complaint, the accused allegedly forced her to inhale dendrite adhesive to intoxicate her before sexually assaulting her. The victim has further alleged that after the first incident, she was repeatedly blackmailed and subjected to sexual assault by both accused, one after another, over a period beginning around July last week this month, it is reported.
Considering the sensitive nature of the case and the fact that the investigation is still in progress, Andaman Sheekha Daily is withholding the identities of both accused.
The abandoned Lighthouse Cinema, once one of the most popular cinema halls in the islands, today stands as a crumbling structure at one of the busiest junctions of Sri Vijaya Puram. Ironically, the alleged crimes are reported to have taken place in the middle of the city.
Sources claim that both accused were homeless and had allegedly converted the rooftop of the abandoned cinema into their residence for nearly the last two years. During the course of investigation, police officers reportedly inspected the rooftop and found what appeared to be a makeshift dwelling. A mattress, mosquito net, curtain, travel bag and several other personal belongings were recovered from the spot. Significantly, investigators also found a large number of empty dendrite tubes scattered around the area, strengthening suspicion that the adhesive was being used as an intoxicating substance.
It is learnt that Police and forensic teams visited the abandoned structure soon after the complaint was received. Scientific examination of the scene was carried out and material evidence was reportedly collected for further investigation. One of the accused has already been arrested today in connection after the complaint with the present case, while the second accused was already arrested yesterday, and presently in judicial custody in another criminal matter.
The shocking nature of the allegations has drawn attention not only because of the seriousness of the offence but also because of the location where it allegedly occurred. The Lighthouse Cinema ruins have remained abandoned for decades. Such neglected structures, if left unchecked, can easily become safe havens for criminals, drug addicts and anti-social elements. The latest case serves as a grim reminder that abandoned properties require regular inspection by the concerned authorities and periodic police patrolling to prevent their misuse.
Residents have often expressed concern over several dilapidated buildings lying unattended across Sri Vijaya Puram. Security experts believe that deserted structures provide ideal shelter for illegal activities ranging from substance abuse to theft and violent crimes. The present case demonstrates how vulnerable such locations can become when they remain outside regular surveillance.
The allegations regarding the use of dendrite to allegedly intoxicate the victim before repeated sexual assault are particularly disturbing. If established during investigation, they point towards a carefully executed pattern involving addiction, coercion, blackmail and continued exploitation.
As the investigation progresses, many crucial questions remain unanswered. A thorough investigation will ascertain whether any other victims, if any, are linked to the accused.. The allegations that the victim was allegedly made addicted through dendrite inhalation before being sexually exploited and blackmailed warrant an exhaustive probe from every possible angle.
More facts are expected to emerge after forensic reports, digital evidence and witness statements are examined. The outcome of the investigation will be closely watched, as it may uncover a larger pattern of criminal activity operating from one of the city’s most neglected abandoned structures.
