A young woman in Hyderabad faced a horrifying start to the New Year when she was allegedly molested and attacked with a knife inside her own apartment in the early hours of January 1. The Narsingi police have swiftly arrested a 23-year-old waiter, who worked at a café in the same building, in connection with the brutal incident.
The Terrifying Sequence of Events
The victim, a 21-year-old sales representative at a garments store, shares her second-floor flat in a Puppalaguda township with two co-workers. After returning from New Year celebrations around 2 am, she went to sleep alone, leaving the main door unlatched for her flatmates.
According to her police complaint, she woke up around 3 am to find the light on and the accused man sitting on her bed. The official stated that the accused held her by the throat, professed his love for her, and slashed her left little finger with a knife when she rebuffed him.
Struggle and Escape
The complainant alleged that the situation escalated further. The man forcibly kissed and groped her while threatening to kill her if she resisted. "I requested him to allow me to attend to my injury but he did not heed my request," the victim told police.
Seizing a momentary chance when she moved towards the wash basin, the young woman managed to dash out of the flat. The accused attempted to pull her back inside, but she raised an alarm by screaming, prompting him to flee from the spot.
Swift Police Action and Legal Charges
Based on the victim's detailed statement, the Narsingi police identified and located the accused. A senior police official confirmed, "He was picked up by our team near the building in the township on Thursday night." He was produced before the court on Friday and sent to judicial remand.
Police have registered a comprehensive case under the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The charges include:
- Section 331(4) for lurking house-trespass to commit an offence punishable with imprisonment.
- Section 109 for attempt to murder.
- Section 78 for stalking.
The case highlights serious concerns about the safety of women in residential areas and the brazen nature of the attack within the victim's home. The prompt police response led to the arrest within days of the complaint being filed.
