Ahmedabad, Gujarat: A CCTV video has surfaced in connection with the alleged rape of a 23-year-old interior design student at a paying guest (PG) accommodation in Ahmedabad, showing the accused security guard entering the building shortly before the alleged crime.
According to police, the incident took place on August 8 under the jurisdiction of the Anandnagar Police Station. CCTV footage shows the accused, Dharam Singh, entering a lift at 7:22 pm, reaching the fifth floor, and then heading towards the terrace. Around 90 minutes later, he is seen leaving the building.
Police allege that the woman was on the terrace speaking on the phone when Singh approached her. After her phone battery died and she attempted to return to her room, the accused allegedly grabbed her, demanded sexual favours, and assaulted her. Investigators further allege that he used a wire to choke the victim before sexually assaulting her.
According to the complaint, the accused then allegedly took the victim's mobile phone, locked her on the terrace, and fled. The woman later raised an alarm, after which residents came to her rescue and informed the police.
A search operation involving multiple police teams led to Singh's arrest the following morning near Hebatpur. Police said the accused sustained a gunshot injury to his leg after allegedly attempting to escape custody and snatch a police officer's service revolver during recovery proceedings. A police constable was also injured during the incident.
A video from the hospital later showed the accused with folded hands, repeatedly pleading for forgiveness. Police have not commented on the video beyond confirming that he remains in custody.
Investigators said the accused had been deployed as a security guard at the housing society only four days before the incident through a private security agency. Police also stated that the agency had allegedly failed to complete mandatory employee verification and registration procedures. Legal action against the agency is being initiated.
The investigation into the case is ongoing, and police are continuing to gather evidence.
