Bike Mechanic Arrested for Rape and Murder of Nurse in Pahadishareef

A bike mechanic has been arrested for allegedly raping and strangling a nurse to death after breaking into her room in the Pahadishareef area of Hyderabad, police said on Monday.

The accused, a native of Bihar who moved to Hyderabad in 2023 for work, was employed at a garage located near the window at the rear of the woman’s room. Investigators said he had allegedly been watching the victim's movements for nearly a month prior to the incident.

According to police, the accused was allegedly under the influence of alcohol on the day of the offence. He entered the woman’s room through the window while she was asleep. When she resisted the sexual assault, he strangled her to death. The accused then escaped through the same window, returned to the garage where he worked, and went to sleep.

The victim had moved to Hyderabad approximately seven months ago to work as a nurse at a local hospital. The crime came to light after a friend was unable to reach her by phone and went to her residence with others. Finding the front door locked, they entered through the window and discovered her body.

Police initially registered a case of murder. Following the receipt of the medical report, investigators added charges relating to rape alongside sections under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Although the accused initially denied any role in the crime, investigators analysed mobile phone tower data and gathered forensic evidence, including hair strands found at the scene. He allegedly confessed after further questioning. Police noted that none of the victim's belongings, including her mobile phone and headphones, appeared to have been disturbed.

Police said the accused told investigators that the woman was unconscious during the assault. Officers stated it could not be firmly ascertained whether the victim was alive at the time the sexual assault occurred.

The accused will be produced before a magistrate. Hyderabad police are also coordinating with the Bihar Police to verify whether he has any prior criminal record as the investigation continues.