Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Apr 22: A 22-year-old woman, daughter of a senior Income Tax Department officer, was found dead under suspicious circumstances at her residence in southeast Delhi’s Kailash Hills locality on Wednesday, with police suspecting sexual assault and murder.

Preliminary investigation suggests the woman may have been strangled using a mobile phone charging cable after allegedly being assaulted.

Police said the victim was alone at home when the incident occurred, as her parents had stepped out for the gym. Her body was later found inside the house, prompting a major police response, with forensic and crime teams examining the scene.

Suspicion has fallen on Rahul Meena, 19, a former domestic worker who had been dismissed around six weeks ago. Police sources said he had worked at the house for nearly eight months before being removed over alleged financial misconduct.

Investigators said the suspect was seen on nearby CCTV footage around 6 am and is believed to have entered the house after the victim’s parents left. Being familiar with the family’s routine and the layout of the house, he may have used a key reportedly kept outside for household staff to gain entry.

Sources said the victim put up resistance, following which the accused allegedly attacked her before strangling her with a charging cable recovered from the scene.

The victim, an engineering graduate preparing for the UPSC civil services examination, was believed to have been alone during a period when other domestic staff had not yet arrived.

Initial forensic inputs point to strangulation, while indications of sexual assault have emerged, though official confirmation is awaited pending medical examination.

The accused, a native of Rajasthan’s Alwar district, is absconding, and multiple police teams have been formed to trace him. CCTV footage from surrounding areas is being analysed, while a Delhi Police team has already reached his native place.

Police sources said the suspect was also allegedly linked to a molestation case in Rajasthan a day earlier and had arrived in Delhi thereafter.

A case has been registered and further investigation is underway. Police have also detained two persons, including a car cleaner and a domestic worker from the neighbourhood, for questioning.