Was an LPG Cylinder Delivery Man Arrested for Attempted Rape?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Delivery personnel can pose risks to women alone at home.
- Awareness of safety during home deliveries is crucial.
- Proper verification processes should be enforced for delivery services.
- Community vigilance and reporting can prevent such incidents.
- Legal actions are essential to deter potential offenders.
Bengaluru, May 30 (NationPress) An LPG cylinder delivery man has been taken into custody for allegedly attempting to assault a homemaker sexually in Santemarahalli, located in Karnataka's Chamarajanagar district, as confirmed by an official on Friday.
The police reported that the incident occurred on May 21 and was brought to light only recently when the woman lodged a complaint.
The suspect has been identified as Mahesh, who was employed as a gas cylinder delivery personnel.
As per police reports, the event transpired at approximately 12:30 p.m. on May 21, when Mahesh knocked on the victim’s door.
When the woman informed him that she had not placed an order for a gas cylinder, he allegedly replied that he would deliver it anyway, suggesting that she could accept it if she had an empty cylinder at her residence.
The victim then accepted the LPG cylinder and settled the payment. Following this, the accused claimed he needed to perform a Know Your Customer (KYC) verification, which required a photograph of the woman with the cylinder to be uploaded for the company's online process.
Eventually, the woman consented to have her picture taken. He further claimed that according to a government regulation, he needed to check whether the kitchen in her home had adequate ventilation and lighting.
The unsuspecting woman allowed him entry into her house to conduct the inspection.
Once inside, the accused allegedly shoved the woman and brandished a knife, threatening to kill her if she screamed. He then attempted to assault her sexually. When she fought back, he physically attacked her, hitting her in the face and dragging her, according to police.
The woman reported to the police that the accused slashed her chest and face with the knife before fleeing the scene. Based on her complaint, a case was filed at the Santemarahalli police station.
The suspect was subsequently located and apprehended.
Investigations are ongoing, with more information anticipated to emerge.
This incident has shocked the community and raised serious concerns, particularly as many women, especially housewives, are often alone during daytime gas cylinder deliveries.