A 30-year-old man has been arrested in Mumbai after allegedly entering the home of a 25-year-old air hostess in Powai while dressed in a sari and posing as a transgender person, police said.
According to the police, the accused, identified as Anil Shinde, allegedly gained access to a residential building on August 19 by claiming he could perform a ritual to remove an “evil eye” affecting the woman’s husband, who was undergoing medical treatment.
The woman reportedly allowed him into her third-floor flat. Police said Shinde allegedly threatened her before sexually assaulting her. He is also accused of taking ₹2,000 from the house before fleeing.
Accused allegedly used disguise to gain entry
Police said Shinde had approached the building while wearing a sari and presenting himself as a transgender person. He allegedly spoke to the security guard and moved around the premises before approaching the victim’s residence.
During the alleged assault, the accused reportedly sprinkled water on the woman and placed his hand on her head while claiming he could help her husband.
After the incident, the woman alerted the police at around 11 pm, following which a case was registered.
CCTV footage helped police trace accused
Investigators examined CCTV footage from the building and nearby areas. Police reportedly found footage showing the accused leaving the premises in a sari and taking an autorickshaw towards Kharegaon in Thane.
The autorickshaw’s registration number helped investigators trace the route. Police subsequently located and arrested Shinde in Kalwa.
Police probe previous offences
During the investigation, police reportedly found that Shinde’s family had previously been involved in seeking alms while posing as transgender persons and beggars. Investigators are also examining whether he used similar disguises in other offences.
Shinde has been booked under sections related to rape and criminal intimidation. Police said further sections could be added depending on the findings of the investigation.
