A woman was stabbed by a security guard in the basement of her apartment in Guwahati on Tuesday morning. Saraswati Das, a resident of Bhangagarh, was attacked with a sharp weapon in the parking area of her apartment complex, leaving the community in a state of disbelief and fear.
The attack occurred early in the morning when Saraswati, a 35-year-old woman, was heading to her car in the basement to run some errands. According to sources, the security guard, identified as 45-year-old Rajesh Kumar, suddenly lunged at her with a knife, stabbing her multiple times before fleeing the scene. The woman, bleeding heavily, managed to scream for help, alerting nearby residents who rushed to her aid.
Saraswati was quickly transported to a local hospital by the neighbors, where she was immediately attended to by medical professionals. Her condition remains critical, with doctors stating that while she is stable, the severity of her injuries has made her recovery uncertain. Police have registered a case of attempted murder and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Initial investigations reveal that Saraswati and the security guard had no known prior altercations, leaving authorities to question the motives behind the attack. According to the apartment management, Rajesh Kumar had been working as a security guard for over three years and had no previous record of violence or misconduct. His sudden, brutal actions have left many wondering whether there were underlying issues that led to this attack.
A few residents of the building who were present at the scene described the attack as shocking and incomprehensible. “We never expected something like this could happen in our own building. The security guard was always polite and respectful. This incident has left us all shaken,” said one of the residents, who wished to remain anonymous.
The police have launched a manhunt to apprehend the attacker, who fled the scene immediately after the assault. A senior police officer stated that they are following several leads to track down Rajesh Kumar, who has reportedly gone into hiding since the incident. “We are in touch with the security agency that employed him and are collecting as much information as possible about his background. We are confident that we will be able to locate him soon,” the officer added.
The incident has sparked concern among the residents of apartment complexes across the city, with many questioning the safety protocols followed by security agencies. Residents have expressed fear and frustration, urging authorities to step up security measures and ensure that only thoroughly vetted personnel are employed in sensitive positions like security guards. The need for better surveillance systems, regular background checks, and more stringent monitoring of security staff has become a key point of discussion.
The Assam police are also looking into whether the incident could be linked to any personal or financial dispute, though no such evidence has surfaced as of now. The police are interviewing the security guard’s colleagues and any possible witnesses to uncover the reasons behind his violent outburst.
This tragic event has raised several questions about safety in urban areas, particularly within residential complexes that rely heavily on security guards for protection. The residents have now demanded that the apartment management take immediate steps to review and strengthen security measures, including installing more CCTV cameras, implementing better lighting in vulnerable areas, and conducting more thorough checks on individuals employed as part of the security staff.
The incident has also attracted widespread attention on social media, with many expressing outrage over the brutal nature of the attack. Social media users have called for justice for the victim, while also stressing the importance of ensuring the safety of women in urban spaces.
As the investigation continues, the authorities have promised to bring the perpetrator to justice and ensure the safety of residents in the future. The residents of Guwahati and the wider community are anxiously awaiting further developments in this shocking case that has left a dark mark on the city’s reputation for safety.
As the investigation unfolds, local authorities are under pressure to address the rising concerns about security in residential complexes. Many residents have expressed their disbelief that such an attack could occur within what is supposed to be a secure environment. Some have raised questions about the effectiveness of the security measures in place, pointing out that the presence of guards alone is not enough if there is insufficient monitoring and accountability.
Several community leaders in Guwahati have also come forward, urging the state government to implement stricter regulations for security personnel employed in both private and public properties. They emphasized the need for clear guidelines on the hiring, training, and background checks of security staff. Many believe that a stronger framework would help prevent future incidents of this nature and make residents feel safer in their homes.
Additionally, there has been a growing conversation around the mental health of security personnel, who are often tasked with demanding and high-pressure jobs. Experts have suggested that security guards should receive not only professional training but also psychological assessments and support to cope with the stress and pressure they face in their line of work. This could potentially reduce the likelihood of violent incidents like the one in Ketekibari.
The attack has also shed light on the need for residents to take greater precautions in their day-to-day activities, especially when moving around isolated or less-monitored areas, such as basements and parking lots. Some community members have expressed their concern that people might feel less safe when walking in these areas, particularly at night. Many have called for more proactive measures, such as increasing patrols or using better lighting to make these spaces more secure.
This unsettling attack has also sparked wider discussions about crime prevention strategies within Guwahati and its growing urbanization. While the city has seen rapid development in recent years, the local authorities are now being urged to keep pace with these changes by enhancing infrastructure and security measures. The need for modernized systems that can effectively handle the challenges posed by urban growth has never been more apparent.
As police efforts continue to locate the assailant, the community is rallying together in support of the victim. Neighbors have organized to support Saraswati’s family, offering assistance during this difficult time. Many are also seeking assurances from the apartment management and local authorities that steps will be taken to ensure such an attack does not happen again. The incident has clearly rattled the collective sense of security in Guwahati, but it has also prompted important conversations about what needs to be done to improve safety for all residents.