In south Delhi, a 23-year-old former domestic worker allegedly assaulted, raped, and killed the 22-year-old daughter of a high-ranking IRS official in her home. Following the attack, he attempted to use her fingerprint to unlock a biometric safe.
After his arrest on Wednesday, the suspect, Rahul Meena, disclosed details during police questioning about the incident that resulted in the young woman’s death.
Investigators reported that he moved the unconscious victim, a civil service exam candidate, from her rooftop study area downstairs to try accessing the safe with her fingerprints.
The home safe used biometric technology. Meena admitted to positioning the unconscious woman near the safe and using her bloodied finger to attempt entry, but it did not work.
He then pried the safe open with a screwdriver, taking cash and jewelry, which he packed into a household bag.
Authorities noted that the biometric failure might have occurred due to halted blood flow or blood on her hand interfering with the scan. He reportedly left her body on the floor afterward.
Police stated that the suspect changed into clothing belonging to the victim’s brother, including pants and footwear, after spotting blood on his own attire, before leaving the scene.
How the Suspect Evaded Multi-Level Security
During the probe, officers discovered that Meena knew the family’s daily schedule, as the parents attended a gym session, and he was familiar with the home’s design, security codes, and important areas.
The victim, who held an engineering degree and was preparing for civil service exams, was studying alone in a rooftop room, following her parents’ recent advice to begin early-morning sessions.
Surveillance video captured Meena entering the complex around 6:28 a.m., dressed in a yellow shirt and black pants.
Investigators believe his prior employment allowed him to navigate the four-tier security without detection.
Sources indicated he headed directly to the rooftop study. In interrogation, he claimed he tried to subdue her by choking, aiming to assault her sexually, but she fought back.
He then struck her with a lamp and another heavy item, causing heavy bleeding and loss of consciousness.
Authorities allege he assaulted her sexually while she was unconscious. Charges include rape, murder, and theft, with medical tests pending to confirm the assault.
Footage later showed him departing at about 7:22 a.m. in new clothes, carrying a black bag. He reportedly paused in a nearby park before fleeing.
The parents returned around 8 a.m. to find their daughter in a pool of blood, with items strewn about. Her clothing was ripped, and she was partially unclothed, per investigators.
Two Assault Cases Within 12 Hours
Officials are examining claims that prior to arriving in Delhi, Meena assaulted a married neighbor in Alwar on the night of April 21, biting her and issuing death threats before heading to the capital.
Meena, from Alwar in Rajasthan, had been employed by the family for about eight months until his termination six weeks earlier.
He was fired over suspected financial misconduct, such as accepting money for purchases but not settling with vendors and using credit instead.
How Authorities Located the Suspect
Delhi Police assembled around 15 teams to pursue him, analyzing surveillance from the complex and nearby streets to map his path. They identified an auto-rickshaw that transported him.
After speaking with the driver, officers learned he was dropped at a Dwarka hotel, where they apprehended him.
Sources mentioned the victim excelled academically, topping national rankings in her Class 12 exams. She had just begun early studying at her parents’ suggestion the previous day.
