A security guard was arrested in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on Sunday for allegedly raping a woman tenant on the terrace of a housing society, just four days after he joined duty at the residential complex. Police said the incident has raised concerns over the verification process followed by the agency that employed him. The accused, identified as Dharam Singh, is originally from Hardoi district in Uttar Pradesh. According to police, the incident took place late Saturday night after the woman went to the terrace of the building for a walk.

Singh allegedly followed her to the terrace, choked her and sexually assaulted her before locking her there and fleeing from the premises. Police said the sequence of events was partly captured by CCTV cameras installed in the building, which showed the accused travelling towards the terrace using the elevator and stairs. Joint Commissioner of Police (Sector-1) Neeraj Badgujar said Singh had been working as a security guard at the housing society for only four days when the alleged crime occurred.

The short period between his joining and the incident has prompted scrutiny of the hiring agency's procedures, particularly whether adequate background checks and verification were carried out before he was deployed at the residential complex. Following the incident, police launched a search operation after Singh allegedly switched off his mobile phone in an attempt to evade arrest. Investigators examined CCTV footage from the housing society and surrounding areas to trace his movements.

Also Read: Gujarat Home Department Orders Withdrawal of FIRs Against NEET Protesters

Ten teams comprising personnel from the city police, local crime branch and crime branch were involved in the operation, with officers conducting searches at multiple locations based on the available evidence. Police said the investigation eventually led them to the Hebatpur area of Ahmedabad, where Singh was arrested between 7 am and 8 am on Sunday. Officers are examining the CCTV recordings and other evidence as part of the investigation into the alleged assault.

The police are also expected to establish Singh's movements before and after the incident and determine how he managed to leave the premises following the alleged crime. The case has also brought renewed attention to the responsibility of private security agencies in conducting background verification before assigning guards to residential buildings. Housing societies routinely rely on security personnel for the safety of residents, making verification of identity, previous employment and criminal records an important part of the recruitment process.

Police have indicated that the circumstances surrounding Singh's appointment will be examined as the investigation progresses. The alleged assault has caused concern among residents of the housing society, particularly because the accused had reportedly been employed there for only a few days. Police are continuing to investigate the case and gather evidence, while the accused remains in custody following his arrest. Further details about the investigation, including the verification procedures followed by the security agency, are expected to emerge as authorities proceed with the case.

Also Read: BJP-Akali Dal Reunion: What Could Drive Their Return To Punjab's Political Battlefield