In a chilling development in the Delhi rape and murder case, investigators suspect that the accused, Rahul, entered the Kailash Hills apartment in South Delhi using a spare key and went directly to the rooftop study, where the 22-year-old woman was allegedly attacked.
According to police sources quoted by TOI, Rahul remained inside the house for around 40 minutes before fleeing.
CCTV footage shows him entering the colony at about 6.30 am, accessing the house at 6.49 am, and leaving at approximately 7.20 am.
Victim targeted while preparing for civil services examination
The victim, daughter of a senior Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer and an IIT Delhi engineering graduate, was preparing for the UPSC civil services examination at the time of the incident.
Police believe Rahul used his prior knowledge of the family’s routine to plan the crime.
“No remorse”: Accused changed statements during interrogation
Police officials described Rahul, 23, as showing “no visible remorse” during questioning. As reported by TOI, he repeatedly changed his statements and maintained that the incident “just happened”.
He allegedly told investigators, “if didi had given the money, this would not have happened”, suggesting a robbery-linked motive.
Attack, strangulation and alleged sexual assault detailed by investigators
According to police sources cited by TOI, Rahul allegedly strangled the victim using a mobile phone charging cable before hitting her with a heavy object, rendering her unconscious.
Investigators suspect that the victim was sexually assaulted while unconscious. The accused then allegedly dragged her downstairs, leaving a trail of blood.
Locker broken, cash and jewellery stolen
Police said Rahul attempted to open a locker using the victim’s fingerprint, but when the biometric lock failed, he broke it open with a screwdriver.
He then allegedly stole cash and jewellery, changed his blood-stained clothes and slippers, and fled the scene shortly before the victim’s parents returned home.
Dismissal from job, financial crisis and revenge angle under probe
Rahul had worked as a domestic help in the household for around eight months, earning about Rs 20,000 per month, before being dismissed roughly a month ago.
Police suspect he viewed the dismissal as a humiliation and developed a revenge motive, compounded by a financial crisis.
Sources quoted by TOI said he had spent weeks in his village playing online card games and Ludo after losing his job.
Allegations of prior misconduct and deviant behaviour
Investigators are also examining claims that Rahul had ill intentions towards the victim while employed at the house and may have spent his salary on prostitutes.
Police officials described him as potentially having a pattern of deviant behaviour.
Possible link to Rajasthan rape case under investigation
In a significant development, Rahul is also suspected in a rape case in Alwar, Rajasthan, allegedly committed hours before the Delhi crime.
A special investigation team has been formed, and multiple individuals have been detained for questioning.
“We have detained over half a dozen people,” Alwar SP Sudhir Chaudhary told TOI.
Police tracking movements from Rajasthan to Delhi
Authorities are verifying Rahul’s travel details, as he initially claimed to have taken an ambulance but later said he hired a car for Rs 5,000 and fled without paying the driver.
Police teams are analysing CCTV footage tracing his movements from the crime scene to a hotel in Dwarka, where he was eventually arrested.
Case sparks outrage, raises women’s safety concerns in Delhi
The South Delhi rape and murder case has triggered widespread outrage and renewed debate around women’s safety in Delhi, particularly involving crimes by known individuals with prior access to victims’ homes.
Inputs from TOI
According to police sources quoted by TOI, Rahul remained inside the house for around 40 minutes before fleeing.
CCTV footage shows him entering the colony at about 6.30 am, accessing the house at 6.49 am, and leaving at approximately 7.20 am.
Victim targeted while preparing for civil services examination
The victim, daughter of a senior Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer and an IIT Delhi engineering graduate, was preparing for the UPSC civil services examination at the time of the incident.Police believe Rahul used his prior knowledge of the family’s routine to plan the crime.
“No remorse”: Accused changed statements during interrogation
Police officials described Rahul, 23, as showing “no visible remorse” during questioning. As reported by TOI, he repeatedly changed his statements and maintained that the incident “just happened”.He allegedly told investigators, “if didi had given the money, this would not have happened”, suggesting a robbery-linked motive.
Attack, strangulation and alleged sexual assault detailed by investigators
According to police sources cited by TOI, Rahul allegedly strangled the victim using a mobile phone charging cable before hitting her with a heavy object, rendering her unconscious.Investigators suspect that the victim was sexually assaulted while unconscious. The accused then allegedly dragged her downstairs, leaving a trail of blood.
Locker broken, cash and jewellery stolen
Police said Rahul attempted to open a locker using the victim’s fingerprint, but when the biometric lock failed, he broke it open with a screwdriver.He then allegedly stole cash and jewellery, changed his blood-stained clothes and slippers, and fled the scene shortly before the victim’s parents returned home.
Dismissal from job, financial crisis and revenge angle under probe
Rahul had worked as a domestic help in the household for around eight months, earning about Rs 20,000 per month, before being dismissed roughly a month ago.Police suspect he viewed the dismissal as a humiliation and developed a revenge motive, compounded by a financial crisis.
Sources quoted by TOI said he had spent weeks in his village playing online card games and Ludo after losing his job.
Allegations of prior misconduct and deviant behaviour
Investigators are also examining claims that Rahul had ill intentions towards the victim while employed at the house and may have spent his salary on prostitutes.Police officials described him as potentially having a pattern of deviant behaviour.
Possible link to Rajasthan rape case under investigation
In a significant development, Rahul is also suspected in a rape case in Alwar, Rajasthan, allegedly committed hours before the Delhi crime.A special investigation team has been formed, and multiple individuals have been detained for questioning.
“We have detained over half a dozen people,” Alwar SP Sudhir Chaudhary told TOI.
Police tracking movements from Rajasthan to Delhi
Authorities are verifying Rahul’s travel details, as he initially claimed to have taken an ambulance but later said he hired a car for Rs 5,000 and fled without paying the driver.Police teams are analysing CCTV footage tracing his movements from the crime scene to a hotel in Dwarka, where he was eventually arrested.
Case sparks outrage, raises women’s safety concerns in Delhi
The South Delhi rape and murder case has triggered widespread outrage and renewed debate around women’s safety in Delhi, particularly involving crimes by known individuals with prior access to victims’ homes.Inputs from TOI
