Accused’s Troubling Background Raises Concerns
The accused, Rahul Meena, has reportedly displayed a long history of aggressive and violent behavior. According to police sources, he was known in his native village for his erratic conduct and is believed to have exhibited psychopathic tendencies. Investigators are now considering a detailed psychological assessment as part of the ongoing probe. Officials also revealed that Meena was addicted to online betting and card games such as “teen patti,” allegedly losing over ₹7 lakh in recent months. This financial distress reportedly drove him to frequently borrow money from others.
Crime Unfolded Inside Victim’s Home
The incident took place on Wednesday morning when Meena entered the victim’s residence using prior knowledge of a smart key system. He had previously worked at the house and was familiar with the family’s routine. At around 6:39 am, he entered the house and went directly to the fourth floor, where the 22-year-old civil services aspirant was studying alone. According to police statements, Meena demanded money from the victim to repay his debts. When she refused and attempted to call her father, an argument ensued. He then allegedly attacked her—first strangling her with his hands, then using a charger wire, and further assaulting her with objects including a bottle and a lamp, rendering her unconscious.
Alleged Sexual Assault and Robbery
Police reports indicate that Meena allegedly raped the victim while she was still alive but unconscious. He then dragged her body downstairs in an attempt to open a fingerprint-protected safe using her biometric data. When unsuccessful, he broke the safe open and stole approximately ₹1.5–2 lakh in cash along with jewellery worth around ₹10 lakh. After the crime, he reportedly changed his bloodstained clothes before fleeing the scene.
Postmortem Reveals Brutal Assault
The autopsy confirmed that the cause of death was strangulation following a violent assault. Medical findings revealed multiple injuries across the victim’s body, including abrasions, contusions, facial injuries, and a fractured nasal bone. Internal examination showed significant neck trauma, including fractured thyroid cartilage, indicating severe force during strangulation. Forensic samples have been sent for analysis to further confirm the occurrence of sexual assault.
Ongoing Investigation
Police teams continue to gather evidence, including reconstructing the crime scene in areas lacking CCTV coverage. Senior officials, including the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast), have visited the location as part of the investigation. Authorities are focusing on building a comprehensive case, including behavioral analysis of the accused, as the city grapples with the brutality of the crime.
