Bengaluru: A 19-year-old radiology student has approached police seeking protection after several weeks of harassment by a man she once befriended on Instagram, who recently threatened to disfigure her with acid.Raju, a resident of west Bengaluru, had initially become acquainted with the student — Priya (name changed) — in 2019, when his family rented a house near hers. After she accepted his friend request on Instagram, the two began chatting and even met in person a few times.However, Priya’s family soon learned of their interaction and advised her to sever ties with him and focus on her studies. Respecting their wishes, she stopped all communication with Raju and made it clear that she did not want further contacts with him. Raju’s family subsequently moved away from the area, and there was no interaction between them for years.In March this year, Raju allegedly waylaid Priya near a bus stop and handed her a love letter, insisting she accept his proposal. When she refused and shouted at him, Raju reportedly boarded the same bus she was taking, again trying to force her to accept his proposal. He got off only after being reprimanded by fellow passengers.Following this, Raju is said to have contacted Priya’s friends on Instagram to gather information about her and began frequenting her college area to confront her. Despite her repeated refusals, he allegedly persisted in his demand that she speak to him and accept his proposal.The matter escalated on June 16 when Raju allegedly threatened to throw acid on Priya’s face. He also warned her friends against speaking to her.Fearing for her safety, Priya lodged a complaint with Byadarahalli police, requesting action and protection. Police have registered a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 78 (stalking), 351 (criminal intimidation), and 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace).