Auto-rickshaw driver arrested for sexually assaulting woman in Kollam

T’puram: A 61-year-old auto-rickshaw driver was arrested by Chithara police in Kollam for allegedly sexually assaulting a 24-year-old woman after following her into her house.The accused was identified as Nisar Uddin, a native of Chithara village in Kollam.According to police, the incident occurred when the woman hired the accused’s auto-rickshaw service to transport a cooking gas cylinder from a nearby gas agency to her residence. After reaching home, the woman began carrying the cylinder inside the house. Police said the accused allegedly followed her into the house and sexually assaulted her.The woman raised an alarm during the attack, prompting locals to rush to the spot. On seeing the locals arrive, the accused managed to flee from the scene.Based on a complaint filed by the victim, Chithara police registered a case and launched an investigation. Officers collected evidence from the area and recorded statements from the victim and witnesses as part of the probe.Acting on a tip-off, a police team traced Uddin to Chithara Junction and took him into custody.

He was later formally arrested in connection with the case.Police said the accused has a criminal history and was previously arrested by Chithara police in 2020 in a sexual assault case. Police are examining whether he was involved in any other similar offences reported in the area.The accused was produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody. Further investigation is continuing.