Shocking Incident in Pune: 85-Year-Old Woman Raped by Electrician in Gated Society Near Hinjawadi
Reported by Varad Bhatkhande
Hinjawadi, 25th September 2024: In a horrifying incident, an 85-year-old woman was brutally raped by a 23-year-old man in a housing society in Mhalunge near Hinjawadi. The assault took place on Sunday (22nd September), and the perpetrator has since been arrested by the police.
The victim’s 57-year-old daughter filed a complaint at the Hinjawadi Police Station. The accused, identified as Om Jaychand Puri (23), a resident of Hinjawadi, has been charged under multiple sections of the IPC, including Sections 376 (rape), 307 (attempt to murder), 324 (voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means), and 323 (voluntarily causing hurt).
According to police, the elderly woman was walking outside her flat on the fifth floor of the society when Puri, who was working as an electrician in the building, noticed her alone. He forcibly grabbed her and dragged her to the staircase between the sixth and seventh floors, where he raped and physically assaulted her. During the attack, the accused strangled the victim, but she managed to resist and screamed for help, causing him to flee.
The traumatized woman immediately informed her family, who rushed her to the police station. Authorities quickly launched an investigation, and CCTV footage from the society helped identify Puri, who had been working in the society for just four days. The police arrested him within hours of the crime.
At the time of his arrest, Puri was reportedly under the influence of alcohol. Investigators have also indicated that he had a history of watching pornography, which may have contributed to his violent behavior. The accused was produced in the Shivajinagar court on Tuesday and has been remanded to five days in police custody.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Vishal Gaikwad (Zone 2) stated, “Upon receiving the complaint, the police took immediate action and initiated a search for the accused. He was arrested within a few hours of the report. Going forward, it is crucial for security personnel to verify the identity and purpose of workers entering the society, including electricians, to prevent such incidents.”
