Daijiworld Media Network – Adoor

Adoor, May 9: An auto rickshaw driver was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman after drugging her with spiked juice in Kerala’s Adoor, police said on Saturday.

The accused has been identified as Vinod, a native of Adoor, who had reportedly gone into hiding after a case was registered against him.

According to police, the 28-year-old victim was living separately from her husband near the accused’s residence. She reportedly used to hire Vinod’s auto rickshaw frequently for travelling purposes.

Police said that in February this year, the accused allegedly offered the woman spiked juice and sexually assaulted her.

Investigators further alleged that Vinod later recorded videos of the victim and repeatedly threatened and sexually harassed her using the footage.

Police said the accused allegedly continued threatening to upload the videos on social media, after which the victim informed her husband about the incident.

In another alleged incident, Vinod reportedly assaulted the woman in a fit of rage, prompting her to approach the police and lodge a complaint last month.

As there was a delay in the arrest of the accused, the complainant later approached the District Police Chief, following which the investigation was intensified. Vinod was finally arrested on Friday night.

Police officials said the accused is currently being interrogated and efforts are underway to recover digital evidence linked to the case.

He will be produced before a court as part of remand proceedings, police added.