Desk Correspondent , Thiruvananthapuram - An auto-rickshaw driver was arrested on Friday night in Adoor, Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, for allegedly sexually assaulting a 28-year-old woman after drugging her with spiked juice. The accused, identified as Vinod, a resident of Adoor, had gone into hiding after the case was registered. Police intensified the probe following a complaint to the District Police Chief and recovered the suspect, who is now being interrogated for digital evidence, including videos he allegedly recorded.

According to police, the victim, who was living separately from her husband near the accused’s house, frequently hired Vinod’s auto for travel. In February this year, Vinod allegedly offered her spiked juice, sexually assaulted her, and later recorded videos of the act. He reportedly used the recordings to threaten and sexually harass her multiple times, warning of sharing them on social media. When the harassment continued, the woman informed her husband. In a fit of rage, Vinod allegedly assaulted her again, prompting her to lodge a complaint at the Adoor police station last month.

The case highlights concerns over women’s safety in the region, with authorities now focusing on retrieving electronic evidence. Vinod will be produced before a court for remand proceedings. Police officials confirmed that the investigation is ongoing to build a strong case against the accused. The incident has drawn attention to the need for swift action in cases involving drugging and blackmail.