A woman was gagged with a scarf and allegedly raped at knife point by an unidentified man who entered her house in Macherla town of Palnadu district in Andhra Pradesh, police said.
According to preliminary investigation, the woman, a government employee, was alone at her home on Thursday afternoon when an unidentified man reportedly entered her home between 3:30-4 pm, claiming to ask for drinking water.
Once inside, he allegedly overpowered her, gagged her with her scarf, and threatened her with a knife before sexually assaulting her, the police said. The attacker further tied her hands, assaulted her, and inflicted additional torture before fleeing, the police added.
The crime came to light only after relatives were unable to reach the woman, who is in her 30s, prompting neighbours to rush to the house, where they found her unconscious.
The victim was first taken to the government hospital in Macherla and later transferred to Narasaraopeta Area Hospital for specialised treatment. Doctors said her condition is now stable, and she remains under observation.
On Friday, a Clues Team arrived at the victim's home and collected fingerprints and other forensic evidence from the crime scene.
Special teams have been formed, and analysis of call data and CCTV footage is underway to identify the suspect.
"We have some important clues and our teams are working around the clock. The victim is stable and receiving treatment. We will identify the accused soon and ensure strict action against them," PK Srinivasa Rao, Palnadu, Superintendent of Police, said.
The police have urged the public not to spread rumours about the case and appealed to anyone with information to come forward and assist in the inquiry.
