An accused who raped a 76-year-old woman living alone in Krishnapuram near Kayamkulam was arrested. Shahnaz (25), a native of Oachira, Kollam, was apprehended. The shocking incident took place on Thursday night around 7 pm.
Police said the accused, who was hiding near the house, ran inside when the elderly woman opened the door and harassed her. She lived alone in a house near the railway station, and the accused had observed her home. To stifle her cries for help, the pervert stuffed some clothes in the woman’s mouth. Shahnaz escaped from the spot after committing the crime.
The police claimed that Shahnaz was under the influence of alcohol. The accused was caught following an investigation based on CCTV footage. Police caught the suspect, who was hiding near the Krishnapuram Palace pond.
On Friday morning, the locals discovered the elderly woman with severe injuries and admitted her to Government TD Medical College at Vandanam, Alappuzha. She underwent emergency surgery. The hospital authorities informed the police, following which they reached the intensive care unit and recorded the victim’s statement. The police registered a case after they reported the information from the hospital.
There was a similar complaint against Shahnaz earlier. A few days ago, he had committed a similar assault on another elderly woman in Kayamkulam. He was arrested in the new case while the earlier case was being investigated.
The police said that it was his regular practice to torture the elderly after consuming narcotic substances. Two weeks ago, he entered a brawl near the Oachira temple premises and escaped.
Shahnaz is a fisherman and a habitual offender who has been jailed in cases including drug trafficking. In 2018, Shahnaz was caught with a kilo and a half of marijuana by Karunagappally Excise officials. He was sentenced to four years in prison.
Shahnaz showed no remorse after getting caught and was seen smiling and smirking. The accused was produced in the court and remanded. The victim’s condition is said to be stable. Further details are awaited.
