A bike mechanic was arrested for raping and strangling a nurse in PahadishareefHYDERABAD: A bike mechanic accused of raping and strangling a nurse in Pahadishareef area in Hyderabad allegedly returned to the garage where he worked and went to sleep soon after committing the crime, police said on Monday, even as investigators said he had entered the woman’s room through a window while she was asleep.The accused, a native of Bihar who came to Hyderabad in 2023 for work, was arrested for the rape and murder of the nurse.Investigators said he had allegedly been watching the woman’s movements for nearly a month before the crime.Police said the accused entered the woman’s room through a window while she was asleep. When she allegedly resisted the sexual assault, he strangled her to death.After the crime, he allegedly escaped through the same window and returned to the garage.“He was allegedly under the influence of alcohol on the day of the offence. After committing the crime, he returned to the garage and slept. He initially denied any involvement in the case,” police said.'Woman was unconscious during assault'Police said it is difficult to establish whether the woman was alive when the sexual assault took place.When asked whether the rape occurred after the murder, a police officer said, “Whether the victim had died by then or not cannot be ascertained.”However, the accused allegedly told investigators that the woman was unconscious when the assault took place.Police said the accused worked at a garage located near the window at the rear of the victim’s room.About a month before the incident, he allegedly noticed her through the window and subsequently began keeping track of her movements.Mobile data helped crack caseThe crime came to light after the nurse’s friend was unable to contact her and went to her room with a few others.Finding the door locked, they entered through the window and discovered her dead.The case was initially registered as murder. Following the medical report, police added sections relating to rape and provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.Police said the accused initially denied any role in the crime. Investigators later analysed mobile phone tower data and other evidence before questioning him further, following which he allegedly confessed.Hair strands and other forensic evidence were collected from the scene. Police said none of the woman’s belongings, including her mobile phone and headphones, appeared to have been disturbed.The victim had moved to Hyderabad around seven months ago to work as a nurse at a hospital.PollHow important do you think public awareness about personal safety is?Very importantSomewhat importantNot importantNot sure3k+ users shared opinion today 5k+ users already voted today Share OpinionPolice said the accused will be produced before a magistrate and that they are also checking with Bihar Police to determine whether he has any previous criminal record.The investigation into the circumstances of the rape and murder is continuing.(The victim's identity has not been revealed to protect her privacy as per Supreme court directives on cases related to sexual assault)