Pune police have detained a man suspected of raping a 22-year-old IT professional after posing as a courier delivery agent. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening around 7:30 pm in a housing society located in Kondhwa. The accused allegedly gained entry by showing the woman a document resembling bank paperwork and asking for a pen to sign. As she turned her back, he stepped inside, locked the door, and committed the assault.

The victim was alone in the flat at the time since her brother was out of town. She told police that she lost consciousness during the attack and regained it about an hour later, by which time the perpetrator had fled. The accused took a selfie with the woman’s phone, capturing her back and part of his face. He then sent a message threatening to share the images on social media if she reported the crime, warning, “I will come again.”

Police are investigating whether the suspect used a chemical spray to incapacitate the woman. Authorities are also probing if the accused had any prior connection with the victim or if he was truly a courier agent. Surveillance footage from CCTV cameras in the housing complex and gate entry logs is being reviewed.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajkumar Shinde confirmed that an offense has been registered under sections 64 (rape), 77 (voyeurism), and 351(2) (criminal intimidation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

The incident has drawn strong reactions from political leaders. Nationalist Congress Party MP Supriya Sule called the case “alarming and concerning,” pointing out the rising crime rates in Pune and Maharashtra. She stated, “It’s a sad thing that has happened. Crime in Pune and Maharashtra is really on the rise. It’s very alarming and concerning. I will write to the concerned authorities to look into this. We must have zero tolerance against any crime against any citizen.”

Shiv Sena MLC Neelam Gorhe condemned the incident as a “disgusting act” and emphasized the need for better security measures in large residential societies. She said, “Action should be taken at the earliest… As far as security is concerned, it is essential to have security guards in big residential societies so that those who come for such deliveries are accompanied to see where they are going and when they are coming back. I have also submitted a memorandum for this. A proper SOP should be put in place so that those who come in like this are monitored and a photo of their ID is taken. Action will be taken at the earliest…”

Meanwhile, NCP leader Rohit Pawar expressed concerns about Maharashtra’s law and order situation following the incident and criticised police for not apprehending the suspect sooner.

The police continue their investigation to ensure swift justice in the case.