A former domestic worker who raped and murdered the 22-year-old daughter of an Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer in south Delhi carried out another sexual assault in Rajasthan hours before the crime.
Police found the victim injured inside her Kailash Hills home on Wednesday morning. Her parents returned from their gym session and discovered her. She was taken to the hospital and declared dead on arrival. Investigators say she died from strangulation using a mobile phone charger. They are also examining possible blunt-force injuries.
Entry Through Familiar Access Points
Rahul Meena, a former domestic help dismissed around six weeks ago. CCTV footage shows him entering the house at 6.28 am. It shows him leaving at 7.22 am. He appears in different clothes and carries a black backpack while exiting.
Investigators say there was no forced entry. Meena opened multiple locked doors using knowledge gained during his employment. Some locks required passcodes. Others used keys. Police say he also knew where the family kept spare keys.
Alleged Assault in Rajasthan Before Delhi Crime
Police say the sequence began in Rajasthan’s Alwar district the previous night. Meena entered a woman’s home while her husband was away. He sexually assaulted her, bit her, and attempted strangulation. He also threatened to kill her family if she reported him.
Alwar police registered an FIR after the survivor informed her husband.
After the assault, Meena travelled towards Delhi. He hired an Eeco van used as a private ambulance. He promised payment but fled without paying the driver.
Police say he sold three mobile phones for around Rs 13,000 during the journey. The phones included his own and those belonging to acquaintances.
Security Breach and Investigation
Investigators believe Meena used knowledge of the household routine. The victim’s parents had gone for their morning gym visit when the attack took place. CCTV cameras reportedly streamed footage to the victim’s and her father’s phones.
Police are also probing allegations of theft of around Rs 2.5 lakh from the residence.
Delhi Police formed around 15 teams. They carried out raids across Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh. Officers analysed more than 100 CCTV feeds during the search. They traced the suspect through a mobile number linked to close contacts. He was arrested at a hotel in the Palam-Dwarka area.
Debt, Addiction, and Motive Probe
Police describe the accused as addicted to betting apps, alcohol, and drugs. They say he had accumulated debt and faced financial pressure. Investigators also suspect a possible personal grudge.
The victim was an engineering graduate preparing for the civil services examination.
The case has raised serious questions over domestic worker verification and residential security in urban homes. Investigators continue to examine whether financial motive, revenge, or both drove the crime.