Man Posing as Transgender Arrested for Raping Airhostess in Powai Flat

A 28-year-old man was arrested from Kalwa early Wednesday for allegedly raping a 25-year-old airhostess inside her Powai flat after posing as a transgender person who could cure her ailing husband through black magic.

The accused, identified as Anil Shinde, was tracked down and arrested within four hours of the First Information Report (FIR) being registered. Investigators mapped his escape route using footage collected from more than 100 CCTV cameras between the residential building in Powai and a slum area in Kalwa.

According to the police, the incident took place on Tuesday between 12:20 pm and 12:50 pm. Shinde, dressed as a transgender person, gained the security guard's confidence to enter the building premises and knocked on multiple doors before reaching the third-floor apartment of the victim.

The complainant told the police that she opened the door and allowed Shinde inside because her husband is currently undergoing medical treatment in a hospital, and she believed the suspect's claim that he could ward off an evil eye and cure him.

Once inside the flat, the suspect sexually assaulted the woman. Before fleeing the scene, Shinde also collected Rs 200 from the victim.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (West Zone-3) Datta Nalawade confirmed the arrest and stated that the accused gained entry under false pretences before carrying out the assault.