Delhi: Thief rapes, attempts to murder, woman inside her home
What's the story
Even as Delhi Police is manning the National Capital and barricades have been installed on almost every nook and corner, to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, crimes against women aren't stopping.
One such incident was reported from Jangpura, where a woman, said to be a lawyer, was allegedly raped by a burglar, who sneaked into her house.
The "masked man" has now been arrested.
Series of events
Accused scaled adjoining wall to sneak into victim's house
The incident happened a few days ago. As per The Print the accused, 23-year-old Sonu, was walking in the neighborhood when he saw the victim standing on the balcony.
TOI said she was watching a video on her phone.
He scaled an adjoining wall, entered her house, and demanded her valuables.
On learning that she was alone, he sexually assaulted her.
Crime
Victim resisted, Sonu tried to kill her
In her complaint, the survivor said Sonu demanded her ATM card and pin. When she resisted, he beat her. He then overpowered and raped her at knifepoint.
He strangled her, leaving her unconscious. Assuming that she passed away, Sonu fled with some cash, card, and other valuables, reports Aaj Tak.
The accused is a resident of Taimoor Nagar and has a record of thefts.
Nabbing Sonu
As victim couldn't describe him, police took another path
An FIR was registered for rape, trespass, and attempt to murder. Four teams were formed to nab the accused.
However, since his face was covered, the victim couldn't describe him. Thereafter, cops looked through CCTV footage, prepared an electronic map of his possible route, deployed informers, and finally caught hold of Sonu.
His physical traits and style of walking helped too.
Quote
Sonu accepted he wanted to commit burglary: Police
"Even though he managed to escape, he was arrested soon after the incident came to the notice of the police. He left behind a series of clues. During questioning, he said that his motive was just to commit the burglary," an officer told The Print.
Letter
Bar Council Chairman wrote to L-G demanding thorough probe
Sonu was presented before a magistrate, and then sent to judicial custody at Tihar Jail.
Days after the incident, Bar Council of India Chairman, Manan Kumar Mishra, wrote to L-G Anil Baijal and Police Commissioner SN Srivastava demanding a "thorough investigation".
He said deploying anti-rape, anti-molester teams across the nation is needed. The team can have police personnel or volunteers, he suggested.
Statement
Crime was heinous so took it up with authorities: Mishra
However, police said not all facts mentioned in Mishra's letter are correct.
"I came to know about the incident through a WhatsApp group of lawyers and was requested to look into it and demand immediate arrest of the culprit. Finding it to be rather heinous, given the security during the lockdown, I decided to take it up with the authorities," he said.