A woman narrowly escaped a serious assault after alert residents intervened when her husband allegedly tried to attack her with a knife in Dasanapura on the outskirts of Bengaluru on Thursday.

The couple, identified as Sonali and Sanjay, are natives of Bihar who had relocated to Bengaluru after getting married. Both of them were reportedly employed at a garment factory in the city.

Residents alleged that Sanjay frequently consumed alcohol and subjected Sonali to physical abuse. Unable to bear the harassment, Sonali informed him that she wanted to separate and live independently.

Witnesses said the couple got into an argument on the street when Sanjay allegedly arrived on a motorcycle carrying a knife. During the confrontation, he reportedly held the weapon near Sonali’s neck and attempted to assault her.

Sensing danger after hearing her screams, passers-by rushed to her aid. They overpowered Sanjay, and rescued the woman. They later handed him over to the Madanayakanahalli police.

The police registered a non-cognisable report in the matter and later counselled the couple before letting them go.