Hours after detaining a suspect in connection with the alleged rape of a 22-year-old IT professional in Pune, city police said on Friday that preliminary investigations revealed there was no forced entry into the woman’s apartment and that the man was known to her.
In a significant development, Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar told reporters, “We have identified the man. A probe has revealed that the man who visited the woman’s house was not a delivery executive but an acquaintance of hers for the past year. The entry into the complainant’s house was not forceful. No substance was sprayed on her. The selfie was clicked with consent, and the threatening message seen in it was edited by the woman after the man left.”
He further stated that the rape allegation made by the woman is still under investigation. “The claim of sexual assault is being taken seriously and will be probed thoroughly,” he added.
Earlier on Friday, Pune police had announced the detention of a suspect based on the complaint filed by the woman, who works as a software professional and lives alone in the city.
According to the initial complaint, the woman alleged that the accused posed as a courier delivery executive and convinced her to open the door of her apartment by claiming he had important documents that required her signature. She said he asked for a pen, and when she turned to get it, he forcibly entered and locked the door behind him.
In her statement, the woman also alleged that the man sprayed a chemical substance on her, rendering her unconscious, and then raped her. She claimed the man clicked a selfie with her phone during the incident and left behind a threatening message on it.
Police say forensic analysis and interviews have cast doubt on several parts of her version, particularly regarding the selfie and the use of any chemical substance. Investigators are now reviewing CCTV footage, digital evidence, and conducting further questioning to establish the sequence of events.
The case has sparked considerable debate online, with calls for both a fair investigation and protection of women’s rights. Authorities have urged restraint in speculation until the facts are fully verified.
As of now, the suspect remains in custody for questioning, and the investigation is ongoing.