Man posing as transgender rapes air hostess on pretext of 'curing evil eye'

A 25-year-old air hostess was sexually assaulted after a man gained entry to her flat. The accused impersonated a transgender person and claimed to perform a ritual for warding off evil. Police arrested Anil Shinde, 28, within four hours after tracing his movements via CCTV. Shinde also collected Rs 200 from the victim before fleeing the scene. Authorities are investigating if Shinde has committed similar offenses previously.

By NARAYAN NAMBOODIRI