A 22-year-old interior design student in Jodhpur, India, was allegedly raped by a security guard who restrained her with a wire around her neck on Saturday night. The accused, Dharm Singh, 27, had been working at the society for only six days before the alleged incident.
Incident details
The student, who had been studying in Jodhpur for two years, went to the terrace of her flat building for a walk. The guard allegedly approached her, and when she refused his advances, he assaulted her, restrained her with a wire around her neck, and raped her.
Police said the assault lasted nearly an hour, and she tried to scream for help but the wire prevented her from doing so. After the attack, the guard fled, taking her phone and locking her out on the terrace. She raised the alarm and was rescued by residents on lower floors.
Arrest and investigation
Singh was arrested in Hardoi, India, on Sunday. He had worked at different security agencies for the past four years and was deployed to this job just six days prior. CCTV footage allegedly showed him taking the lift to the terrace around the time of the incident.
The woman was taken to hospital, where her physical condition is stable but she is experiencing severe trauma. Police will take a statement from her and establish if the guard knew her routine. The security agency will be questioned about his registration.
Broader context
In India, more than 30,000 cases of rape are recorded every year, despite government promises to tackle violence against women. Anti-rape campaigners believe the actual number is much higher, as many cases go unreported due to societal stigma and fear of blame.
Following the gang rape of a 23-year-old physiotherapy student in Delhi in 2012, tougher anti-rape laws were introduced, and convicts can receive the death penalty in severe cases.
If you have been affected by any themes in this story, you can call Rape Crisis for free 24 hours a day on 0808 500 2222 or visit their website for a free online chat.
