‘I have your pics, don’t tell anyone’: Rapist uses selfie to blackmail victim, threatens to ‘come again’

Pune: A 22-year-old IT professional was allegedly raped inside her apartment in Pune’s upscale Kondhwa area by an unidentified man who posed as a courier delivery executive. The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday and has triggered shock and concern in the city.

According to police officials, the accused gained access to the woman’s apartment by pretending to deliver a bank-related document. When the woman turned around to fetch a pen for signing, he entered the flat, locked the door, and allegedly assaulted her.

The victim, who was alone at the time as her brother was out of town, reportedly lost consciousness and only woke up around 8:30 pm. She then contacted her relatives, who immediately informed the police.

In a disturbing twist, the accused used the victim’s mobile phone to click a selfie, showing her back and a partial image of his face. He also left a chilling message on the device that he had taken her photos and would share them on social media, and also mentioned, "I will come again".

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 5) Rajkumar Shinde said that investigators suspect the use of a substance, possibly a spray, to render the woman unconscious. Forensic teams are working to confirm this.

The police are currently scanning CCTV footage from the apartment complex and surrounding areas. A sketch of the suspect is also being prepared based on available details.

The victim has been sent for medical examination.

A case has been registered under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections 64 (punishment for rape), 77 (voyeurism) and 351(2) (criminal intimidation), the police added.

with PTI inputs