A security guard has been arrested in Gujarat for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman on the terrace of a housing society, police said. The accused had reportedly joined duty at the residential complex only four days before the incident.
Police identified the accused as Dharam Singh, a native of Uttar Pradesh’s Hardoi district. According to officials, the incident took place late Saturday night after the woman went to the terrace of the residential building for a walk.
Woman Allegedly Attacked on Terrace
According to the police, the security guard allegedly followed the woman to the terrace and assaulted her. Investigators said the accused allegedly tried to choke the woman before sexually assaulting her.
The accused allegedly locked the woman on the terrace and fled from the spot after the incident. The matter came to light after the woman raised an alarm and the police were informed.
Police have begun examining evidence collected from the residential complex as part of the investigation.
CCTV Footage Helps Police Track Suspect
Investigators are examining CCTV footage installed in and around the housing society. Preliminary findings reportedly showed the accused using the elevator and stairs while heading towards the terrace.
The footage and other available evidence helped investigators establish the movements of the suspect around the time of the incident.
Police teams subsequently started searching for the accused in different parts of the area.
Accused Switched Off Mobile Phone
Police said Dharam Singh allegedly switched off his mobile phone after the incident in an attempt to avoid being traced.
Despite this, investigators continued searching for him using CCTV footage, technical information and other leads. Several teams were deployed to locate the accused.
The teams included personnel from the local police and crime branch units. Investigators also checked CCTV recordings from surrounding areas and searched possible locations where the suspect could have gone.
Arrest Made After Search Operation
After an extensive search operation, police managed to trace and arrest the accused. He is currently facing legal proceedings in connection with the alleged sexual assault.
Investigators are questioning the accused and examining all available evidence to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Questions Over Security Guard Verification
The case has also raised questions about the recruitment and background verification process followed by private security agencies.
Police said the accused had joined the housing society only four days before the alleged incident. Investigators are expected to examine whether the required identity and background verification procedures were completed before he was assigned duty at the residential complex.
The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected as police examine CCTV footage, witness statements and other evidence.
