A 26-year-old woman has alleged that she was raped at gunpoint by a masked man who entered her rented flat in Bhubaneswar late on Wednesday night, prompting a police investigation into the incident.
The woman lodged a complaint at Nayapalli police station, alleging that the unidentified man entered her residence wearing a mask, threatened her with a gun and sexually assaulted her. Police are investigating the circumstances of the alleged crime, including how the man gained entry, his identity and whether he was previously acquainted with the woman.
Police examine sequence of events
Bhubaneswar police have registered a case and begun examining the woman's statement and other evidence to reconstruct the sequence of events.
Bhubaneswar DCP Saravana Vivek M said investigators had obtained important leads and expressed confidence that the case would be solved soon.
"We have got vital clues. The case will be solved soon. The case is under investigation," the DCP told NDTV.
The identity of the alleged accused has not been publicly established. While the supplied report said a suspect had been detained for questioning, PTI-based reports published on Thursday said police were still working to identify and apprehend the accused.
Senior police officers, including the DCP, visited the spot after the complaint was received and inspected the area. Police are also examining available surveillance footage from around the residence as part of efforts to trace the alleged assailant.
Woman was reportedly alone when incident took place
The woman lives in the rented accommodation with her elder sister in a residential locality of Bhubaneswar. According to the information provided to police, her sister was away when the alleged incident took place, leaving the woman alone at the residence.
However, DCP Saravana Vivek M said police were investigating whether the woman's sister was present at the time of the alleged incident.
The owner of the property, who lives on another floor of the building, reportedly said he was unaware of the incident when it occurred.
Investigators are examining how the alleged intruder entered the house and whether there were any indications of forced entry.
Police probe whether accused was known to her
One of the key questions in the investigation is whether the alleged assailant was a stranger to the woman or had some prior acquaintance with her.
Police are examining her account alongside other available evidence to establish what happened before, during and after the alleged assault. Investigators are also looking at surveillance footage and other material that could help establish the movements of people around the residence at the relevant time.
Local reports said a special team was formed to trace the unidentified suspect, with searches and raids being conducted at different locations. Police have also been examining CCTV footage from the surrounding area.
Forensic evidence and medical examination under way
Investigators are assessing evidence collected from the residence and the surrounding area to corroborate the woman's statement and establish the movements of the alleged intruder.
A local report said police conducted a medico-legal examination of the woman and recorded her statement under Section 180 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
Police have not disclosed further details that could affect the ongoing investigation.
Investigation continues
The case comes as Bhubaneswar police continue to focus on crime prevention, women's safety, intelligence-led policing and improving response mechanisms in the city.
Saravana Vivek M recently took charge as Bhubaneswar DCP after serving as Berhampur SP. After assuming charge, he identified crime control, women's safety, intelligence-led policing and a stronger police response among the priorities of the city police.
For now, the allegations remain under investigation. Police are working to verify the woman's account, establish the identity and role of the alleged perpetrator and determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
No conclusion regarding the guilt of any individual can be drawn until the investigation is completed and the matter proceeds through due legal process.
Further investigation is underway.