Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
In another revelation in the rape and murder of a 22-year-old daughter of a senior Income Tax officer in Delhi, investigators have identified the person the accused, Rahul Meena, was speaking to while fleeing the scene.
CCTV footage had captured Rahul talking continuously on the phone as he exited the residence in Amar Colony. According to his mother, Mukeshi Devi, he was speaking to his cousin Trilok in Delhi.
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During the call, Rahul allegedly told him, “Maine Delhi mein kaand kar diya hai, main ab marne wala hoon police mujhe pakad legi…(I have committed a crime in Delhi. I may die now. The police will catch me soon)”.
However, he reportedly denied committing Alwar rape, claiming he had only gone to retrieve his mobile phone and had not harmed the victim.
Police sources also said that the mobile phones of both the victim and the accused were missing.
TWO CRIMES WITHIN 12 HOURS
Investigators have established that the accused targeted two victims across states within a span of hours.
On Tuesday night around 10.30 pm, Rahul allegedly entered a neighbour’s house in Rajasthan’s Alwar, assaulted her and raped her. He is also accused of strangling and threatening the survivor before fleeing, warning her against informing anyone. An FIR was registered based on her complaint.
Within hours, Rahul travelled nearly 200 km to Delhi, reaching a housing society in south-east Delhi’s Kailash Hills around 6.30 am. He entered his former employer’s residence at approximately 6.39 am.
The victim, an engineering graduate preparing for UPSC, was alone at home. When her parents returned from the gym around 8 am, they found her lying in a pool of blood, with belongings strewn across the house.
BRUTALITY INSIDE DELHI FLAT
According to police, Rahul used his familiarity with the house layout and security arrangements to gain entry.
He allegedly barged into the victim’s study room, struck her with a lamp and another heavy object, and then strangled her. Police suspect he sexually assaulted her while she was unconscious. He dragged her body from the rooftop study area downstairs, attempted to open a locker using her finger, and later broke it open using tools.
He then stole cash and jewellery, changed his blood-stained clothes, wore clothes belonging to the victim’s brother, and fled the scene.
The autopsy conducted at AIIMS Delhi confirmed strangulation as the cause of death. The report also noted multiple abrasions, contusions and a nasal fracture, indicating a violent struggle. Forensic samples have been preserved, and confirmation of sexual assault is pending examination.
RECOVERIES, ARREST AND CCTV TRAIL
Delhi Police have recovered more than Rs 1 lakh in cash and jewellery allegedly stolen from the house. The recovery was made from a hotel in Dwarka, where the accused had checked in after the crime. Police said the hotel payment was made using stolen money.
CCTV footage showed Rahul entering the society around 6.28 am in a yellow shirt and black trousers and leaving around 7.22 am in a different set of clothes, carrying a backpack. Investigators believe he changed clothes after the crime and briefly stopped at a nearby park.
Police tracked his movements through CCTV footage and identified an auto-rickshaw he boarded. The driver was traced and led police to the hotel, where Rahul was arrested hours later.
He is currently in police custody and will be taken to reconstruct the crime scenes in both Alwar and Delhi.
MONEY, BETTING AND MOTIVE UNDER SCANNER
Investigators said Rahul was heavily involved in online betting, including teen patti and other gaming apps, and had borrowed money from several people. Police are now identifying those who lent him money.
Family members claimed his visit to Delhi was linked to a dispute over money and a mobile phone, alleging he had gone to retrieve his device after losing money in a game. However, investigators are examining a wider financial and behavioural motive behind the crimes.
BRUTALITY AND BEHAVIOURAL PROFILE UNDER PROBE
Rahul had previously worked as a domestic help at the victim’s house for nearly a year and was hired on the recommendation of another officer. He was later dismissed after his betting habits and financial irregularities came to light.
Police said he had taken money from the family for errands but failed to pay shopkeepers, instead purchasing items on credit.
Investigators described him as violent in nature, with sources indicating he was known in his village for aggressive behaviour. His father is reportedly an alcoholic, and police are examining his background for behavioural patterns.
Despite the gravity of the crime, police sources said Rahul showed little remorse during questioning and attempted to justify his actions.
– Ends
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
