Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Apr 24: A 23-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the rape and murder of a 22-year-old woman, daughter of an IRS officer, in southeast Delhi, police sources said.

The accused, identified as Rahul Meena, allegedly gained access to the victim’s rooftop room by first knocking on her door and claiming that her father had sent something for her. When she refused to open the door, he reportedly scaled the wall using water pipes, removed fibre sheets from the roof, and entered through an adjoining bathroom.

According to investigators, the woman—an IIT graduate preparing for civil services—asked him to leave the item outside and not disturb her. After waiting briefly, the accused forcibly entered the premises.

Sources said he initially demanded money from her. When she attempted to call her father, he allegedly snatched her phone and threw it away. As she resisted and raised an alarm, he attacked her using objects including a table lamp and a water bottle, rendering her unconscious.

He then allegedly raped her and later strangled her using a mobile charging cable after she fought back.

Police said the accused dragged the victim to another room in an attempt to access a locker using her fingerprint. When that failed, he reportedly broke open the locker with a tool and stole around Rs 2.5 lakh in cash.

The accused is also believed to have changed his blood-stained clothes using garments from the house before fleeing with the victim’s phone and cash. He reportedly exited through the main gate, leaving behind his shoes and wearing slippers.

The incident came to light on Wednesday, following which police launched an investigation and arrested the accused. Further probe is underway.