Hyderabad: Police on Monday arrested a bike mechanic on charges of the rape and murder of a nurse in Pahadishareef. Investigators said the crime was premeditated, with the accused allegedly monitoring the woman’s movements for nearly a month before the incident.Police said the accused, a native of Bihar who came to Hyderabad in 2023 for work, entered the victim’s room through a window while she was asleep. They said she resisted the alleged sexual assault, following which he strangled her to death. After the offence, he allegedly fled through the same window. When asked whether the sexual assault occurred after the murder, an investigating officer said it was difficult to ascertain with certainty. The accused allegedly claimed that the woman was unconscious at the time of the assault. “Whether the victim had died by then or not cannot be ascertained,” the officer said.Police said the accused worked at a garage near the victim’s rear window. About a month before the incident, he allegedly noticed her through the window and subsequently began observing her movements.“He was allegedly under the influence of alcohol on the day of the offence. After committing the crime, he returned to the garage and slept. He initially denied any involvement in the case,” police said.After analysing mobile phone tower data and other evidence, police further questioned the accused, who allegedly confessed to the crime. Police collected hair strands and other forensic evidence from the scene. Investigators said none of the victim’s belongings, including her mobile phone and headphones, were disturbed.The crime came to light after the victim’s friend, unable to contact her, went to her room with a few others. As the door was locked, they entered through the window and found her dead.Police said the case was initially registered as a murder. Following the medical report, sections relating to rape and provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act were added.The accused was arrested and will be produced before a magistrate. Police said they are also verifying with the Bihar police whether he has any previous criminal record.The victim had moved to Hyderabad from Kothagudem seven months ago to work as a nurse at a private hospital. She was staying in accommodation close to the hospital.
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