An astrologer has been arrested for allegedly raping a 25-year-old techie after spiking her drink at his residence in Bengaluru's Hoysalanagar area.

According to the police, the victim had visited Damodaran's house to seek his advice on November 19 as she was reportedly going through a rough phase. The victim, who works in a MNC firm and hails from West Bengal, has been working in Bengaluru for the last one year.

Damodaran offered her "temporary relief" through holy water. He offered her a glass of water and prasad. The victim was unaware that Damodaran had spiked her drink with a sedative. Soon after she drank water, she lost consciousness. Later, he raped her for over three hours, the complainant alleged.

Damodaran has been arrested for allegedly raping a 25-year-old techie after spiking her drink. Damodaran has been arrested for allegedly raping a 25-year-old techie after spiking her drink.

"It took some time for the victim to regain consciousness. When she realised what had happened, she tried to escape from his house but Damodaran tried to stop her. He threatened her against revealing anything about the incident to anybody. He also threatened to curse her," a police officer said.

The victim managed to escape from Damodaran's clutches and narrated the incident to her friend. Later, they approached the police and lodged a complaint. The cops arrested Damodaran, 32, on Thursday. He is currently in judicial custody.

Investigators are probing whether the astrologer, who had moved from Tamil Nadu some years ago, was involved in similar cases in the past. "He is a lone operator. There is no one else in his house. It appears that he might have committed such crimes in the past. We are inquiring about his activities in the neighbourhood. He has been active for the last three years," the officer said.

As Damodaran shifted to Bengaluru to set up his office, the police are verifying his antecedents in neighbouring Tamil Nadu.