An 18-year-old female student was sexually abused and brutally killed in her room at a government hostel in south Mumbai. The victim was a second-year polytechnic student from Akola. She was found dead on the fourth floor of the hostel.
The suspect, identified as Prakash Kanojia, 35, worked as a security guard and laundry worker at the hostel. Kanojia later took his own life by jumping onto the railway tracks near Charni Road station.
It is believed that the incident took place early on Tuesday morning, June 6, as Kanojia was seen leaving the hostel at 4:55 am after dropping off a bundle of garments near the security cabin.
The crime came to light when the hostel staff noticed the victim's absence and began searching for her. Their concern grew when she did not answer their calls. After a thorough search, the staff discovered the victim's room locked from the outside. They peered through the window and discovered her body between two beds.
While the police suspect rape, they are awaiting the results of the autopsy to confirm their suspicions. Forensic specialists from the Kalina lab were called in to collect evidence from the crime scene. The victim's body, found next to a dupatta, was then taken to JJ Hospital for a detailed examination.
The victim had spoken to another girl from the same hostel on the night before the incident and had asked her to come to her room. However, the roommate declined the invitation citing that she wanted to stay in her own room.
The hostel, currently housing only a few girls, as many have gone home for the summer, has three security guards, including Kanojia who also worked as a laundry man. Some of the girls staying at the hostel have upcoming exams and will reportedly leave after completing them.
CCTV footage obtained from the premises showed Kanojia leaving the hostel at 4:55 am and heading towards the train station. Interestingly, he left his cell phone at the hostel, which has been taken into custody by the police.
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