Shahnaz Arrested for Raping 76-Year-Old Woman [Kollam, Kerala]

(Reported as seen)

In a horrific incident in Krishnapuram near Kayamkulam, Kerala, a 76-year-old woman living alone was raped by a 25-year-old man named Shahnaz. The accused, a native of Oachira, Kollam, was apprehended following a swift police investigation.

The attack occurred on Thursday night around 7 PM. According to police reports, Shahnaz, who was hiding near the elderly woman’s house, forced his way inside when she opened the door. He then assaulted her and stifled her cries for help by stuffing clothes into her mouth. After committing the crime, Shahnaz fled the scene.

The elderly woman was discovered by locals the following morning, suffering from severe injuries. She was promptly admitted to Government TD Medical College in Vandanam, Alappuzha, where she underwent emergency surgery. Hospital authorities informed the police, who then recorded the victim’s statement in the intensive care unit. Based on this information, the police registered a case and launched an investigation.

CCTV footage led to the identification and capture of Shahnaz, who was found hiding near the Krishnapuram Palace pond. At the time of the incident, Shahnaz was reportedly under the influence of alcohol.

Shahnaz is a habitual offender with a history of targeting elderly women. He had committed a similar assault on another elderly woman in Kayamkulam just days before this incident. He has a record of drug-related offenses and violent behavior. In 2018, he was arrested for possessing a kilo and a half of marijuana and was sentenced to four years in prison.

Shahnaz showed no remorse upon his arrest, often seen smiling and smirking. He was produced in court and remanded into custody. The condition of the elderly victim is reported to be stable, though further details are awaited.

This case underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures and stricter enforcement of laws to protect vulnerable individuals, particularly the elderly, from such heinous crimes.