Security guard rapes PG resident in Ahmedabad society; arrested within hours

Ahmedabad: A man who started working as a security guard at a residential society in Ahmedabad’s Anandnagar area just six days earlier has been arrested for allegedly raping an interior designing student staying in a paying guest (PG) accommodation, police said on Sunday.

The incident took place at around 9 p.m. on Saturday, when the woman went to the terrace of the building for a walk, according to police.

Joint Commissioner of Police (Sector-1) Neeraj Badgujar said the security guard followed her to the terrace and allegedly attacked her when she was alone.

“Regarding the rape complaint registered at Anandnagar police station, the facts are that the victim had gone to the terrace at around 9 p.m. on August 8. The accused in this case, who was the security guard of the society, also went to the terrace. After a while, when the woman was walking, the security guard strangled her, took her to one side and raped her. He then took the victim’s mobile phone and fled,” Budgujar said.

According to the police complaint, the accused allegedly used a wire to restrain the woman before committing the offence. Police said the woman was subsequently taken to hospital for treatment.

The victim is originally from Kutch and was staying as a PG in a flat in the society.

The accused has been identified as Dharm Singh, a native of Hardoi district in Uttar Pradesh. Police said he had joined the society as a security guard only five to six days before the incident.

Following the complaint, Anandnagar Police, the Local Crime Branch (LCB) and Crime Branch formed more than 10 teams to trace the accused.

Police said CCTV footage and technical surveillance were used during the investigation, leading to his arrest within hours of the incident.

“The police have apprehended security guard Dharm Singh, accused in the Anandnagar rape case. More than 10 teams of the local police, LCB and Crime Branch apprehended him based on information,” Budgujar said.

Police have registered a case based on the woman’s complaint and are questioning the accused. The investigation is continuing to establish the full circumstances of the incident, the role of the accused and whether anyone else was involved.

The incident comes as Ahmedabad police have been conducting intensive night checking and patrolling across the city, with the police commissioner and senior officers reportedly remaining on the roads until late at night for the past three days.

Police are also examining the circumstances surrounding the security guard’s recent appointment and verification.

IANS