NEW DELHI: A former domestic help allegedly turned fugitive was arrested from a hotel in Dwarka after Delhi Police pieced together a digital trail involving a stolen mobile phone, hotel Wi-Fi access, IP data records and Instagram chats, officials said.The accused, identified as Rahul Meena, is alleged to have raped and murdered a 22-year-old woman, daughter of a senior Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, at her residence in south Delhi’s Amar Colony area early Wednesday morning.Police said Meena was apprehended within hours of the crime after coordinated raids across multiple states and intensive CCTV analysis. He had reportedly fled the scene after committing the offence and attempted to evade detection by avoiding his personal phone and using a stolen device linked to an earlier incident in Rajasthan’s Alwar.
Digital trail and surveillance breakthrough
Investigators said the breakthrough came after tracking internet protocol detail records (IPDR), hotel Wi-Fi usage in Dwarka, and Instagram communication patterns. Meena was also found to have been in contact with a relative in Gurugram through social media messaging, which helped narrow down his location.Police teams eventually traced him to a hotel room in Dwarka, where he was taken into custody following a brief surveillance operation.
Alleged sequence of events inside the residence
According to police, the accused had previously worked as domestic help at the victim’s residence and was familiar with the household layout, security arrangements, and daily routine of the family.Investigators said the victim was alone at home at the time, studying in a room on the terrace when the accused allegedly entered the house in the early morning hours. CCTV footage reportedly showed him entering the building around 6:39 am and leaving nearly 40 minutes later.Officials said there were no signs of forced entry, as Meena allegedly knew the location of a spare key used for domestic workers.Police suspect the victim was attacked inside the house and later found in a critically injured condition by her family, who rushed her to a hospital where she was declared dead.Preliminary findings suggest she was assaulted and then strangled using a mobile phone charging cable. A blunt object, suspected to be a lamp or similar item, was also recovered from the scene. Forensic teams are examining multiple pieces of evidence, including a charging wire and other objects found in the room.
Alleged robbery attempt and escape
Police said the accused allegedly attempted to search for valuables after the attack and tried to unlock a locker using the victim’s fingerprint. When unsuccessful, he reportedly forced it open and fled with cash and jewellery.Investigators also believe he changed clothes before escaping and was later seen carrying a backpack in CCTV footage outside the building.Preliminary assessment suggests he may have stolen between Rs 2–2.5 lakh in cash.
Link to Alwar case under investigation
Police in Rajasthan have also registered a separate case against the accused after a woman in Alwar alleged she was sexually assaulted by him a day before the Delhi incident.Officials said the accused allegedly fled Alwar after the earlier offence, using a hired ambulance to reach Delhi, where he later committed the second crime.Investigators are now examining whether the two incidents are connected in a pattern of escalating criminal behaviour. He has reportedly claimed robbery as the motive, though police say the investigation is also probing premeditation and possible sexual assault charges in both cases.
Background and employment history
According to police, Meena had worked as a domestic help in the victim’s home for several months before being dismissed about a month ago over allegations of financial irregularities. He was reportedly familiar with the family’s schedule, including morning routines when the house would be left briefly unattended.Officials said he had a history of online gambling and frequent borrowing of money from acquaintances and other domestic workers in the area. Investigators believe financial stress may have been a contributing factor, though they are not ruling out other motives.
Investigation continues
Delhi Police have formed multiple teams to investigate all aspects of the case, including forensic reconstruction, financial transactions, and digital communications of the accused.Senior officials said a strong charge sheet is being prepared based on CCTV evidence, digital footprints, and witness accounts, and that further recoveries are expected.The accused is currently under interrogation, and police are seeking remand to trace remaining stolen items and establish the complete sequence of events across Delhi and Rajasthan.
