Kochi abandoned building assault: Stolen pair of sunglasses led Police to third arrest

KOCHI: Ernakulam Central Police have recorded the third arrest in the harrowing sexual assault of a woman at a vacant high-rise building. The suspect, identified as 26-year-old Sanjay Ullhas of Aroor, was captured following a brief violent confrontation with law enforcement near the Ernakulam South Railway Station.

Investigation and arrests

Ullhas, who has a documented criminal history involving attempted murder and assault, had been in hiding since the incident. In a turn of digital forensics, a crucial lead emerged when Ullhas posted a photo on social media wearing sunglasses stolen from the victim’s companion.

His arrest follows the apprehension of the primary accused, Danish (28) of Thiruvananthapuram, and Rahul (39) of Kollam, earlier this Wednesday. Police reports indicate that the trio intercepted the woman and her friend on the tenth floor of an abandoned building, where they held the victim at knifepoint.

Following the trauma, the victim provided a detailed account of the ordeal to senior officials, who commended her for her courage and physical resistance against the attackers. After receiving professional counselling, she has since returned to her hometown. Statements from her male friend, whom she met via social media, have also been formally recorded as part of the ongoing probe.

In the wake of public outcry, City Police Commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar announced a localized crackdown on urban crime.

• Patrol Escalation: Pink Police and Control Room units will increase nocturnal surveillance.
• Targeted Deployment: "Striker" police teams are to be stationed in the Ernakulam South sector.
• Building Audits: Authorities will begin rigorous inspections of abandoned or vacant structures, which the Commissioner identified as burgeoning hubs for criminal activity.