Daijiworld Media Network – Aligarh

Aligarh, Jul 2: An e-rickshaw driver accused of raping a 27-year-old woman passenger at a hotel in Uttar Pradesh's Aligarh was arrested following a police encounter on Thursday, officials said.

The accused, identified as Subhan, sustained bullet injuries during the exchange of fire with police and was admitted to the District Malkhan Singh Hospital. Doctors said his condition is stable.

According to police, the 27-year-old woman, a resident of neighbouring Kasganj district, had arrived in Aligarh by bus on Wednesday night for work. As her work was delayed, she decided to stay overnight and was searching for accommodation when the e-rickshaw driver approached her.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (City) Aditya Bansal said the accused assured the woman that he would take her to a safe and reasonably priced hotel. However, after she checked into the room, Subhan allegedly forced his way inside, locked the door and raped her before fleeing.

The woman later lodged a complaint at Bannadevi police station, following which a case was registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Police said a Criminal Investigation Wing team launched a search for the accused. Using CCTV footage and electronic surveillance, investigators traced him to a house in the Nagla Patwari locality under the Kuwarsi police station limits.

ASP Bansal said that when police raided the hideout, the accused allegedly opened fire using an unlicensed weapon. The police retaliated in self-defence, injuring him before taking him into custody.

Police said further investigation into both the alleged rape case and the encounter is underway.