HYDERABAD: Police on Monday arrested a bike mechanic from Bihar for the alleged rape and murder of a nurse in Pahadishareef, saying he had been watching her movements for nearly a month before allegedly entering her room through a window while she slept.According to police, the accused, who came to Hyderabad in 2023 for work, was employed at a garage located close to the rear window of the room where the nurse lived. Investigators said he first noticed the woman through the window about a month before the crime and allegedly began monitoring her movements thereafter.Police said the accused entered the room through the window while the nurse was asleep and allegedly attempted to sexually assault her. She resisted, following which he allegedly strangled her to death before escaping through the same window.However, investigators said they could not conclusively establish whether the sexual assault occurred before or after the woman’s death. The accused allegedly told police that she was unconscious when the assault took place.“Whether the victim had died by then or not cannot be ascertained,” an investigating officer said.Police said the accused was allegedly under the influence of alcohol when he committed the crime. After the incident, he reportedly returned to the garage and went to sleep. He initially denied involvement in the murder.Investigators subsequently analysed mobile phone tower data and other evidence and questioned him again, following which he allegedly confessed to the crime. Police also recovered hair strands and other forensic evidence from the scene.Investigators said the victim’s belongings, including her mobile phone and headphones, were left untouched, suggesting that robbery was not the motive.The crime came to light when the woman’s friend, unable to contact her, went to her room with a few others. Finding the door locked, they entered through the window and found her dead.The case was initially registered as a murder. Following the medical examination, police added sections relating to rape as well as provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.The accused will be produced before a magistrate. Police are also checking with Bihar authorities to determine whether he has any previous criminal record.The victim had moved to Hyderabad from Kothagudem about seven months ago and was working as a nurse at a private hospital. She was staying in accommodation close to her workplace.
