Udaipur- A government employee was allegedly attacked inside her ninth-floor apartment in Lakadwas late on Wednesday night, 9 September, in a case now being investigated by Hiran Magri police. The victim, Usha Labana, originally from Bichiwada in Dungarpur district, had been living in the apartment for about six months.

According to the complaint later filed by her father Raman Lal, on Saturday, more than half a dozen people reached the flat around 1 am. Those named in the complaint include Ashok Labana, Beena Labana, Bharat Labana, Divyansh, Kareena, an ambulance driver and others, also linked to Bichiwada.

The complaint states that the group first locked neighbouring flats from the outside so that help could not reach quickly. When Usha opened her door, chilli powder was allegedly thrown into her eyes and the attackers entered. Her father has alleged that they held her by the hands and feet and tried to cut her neck with a sharp weapon. She suffered a cut on her nose while trying to defend herself. Blood was later found spread across the floor of the flat.

When neighbours heard her screams and tried to come out, Beena Labana allegedly dragged the injured woman by her hair and attempted to throw her from the ninth floor. Neighbours’ intervention stopped that attempt, the complaint says.

Police reached the spot around 4 am after neighbours informed them, called an ambulance and admitted the injured woman to Maharana Bhupal (MB) Hospital. Three people were taken into custody at the scene. The rest fled.

The family did not file a police complaint immediately. Raman Lal submitted the complaint on Saturday, three days after the attack. He has further alleged that after the victim was admitted, absconding accused, acting with the ambulance driver, took her away from the hospital and are holding her at an unknown location.

Police have registered a case against eight named accused and others for attempt to murder, kidnapping and related offences. Raids are on to trace the missing woman and the remaining accused.

Police have indicated that the attack may be linked to suspicion of an alleged relationship between the victim and a neighbour’s husband. Officials have said this angle will be examined only after investigation; it has not been confirmed.

The complaint also states that the attackers recorded the incident and circulated the video in community WhatsApp groups and on social media.

Hiran Magri police say they have begun searches at possible hideouts. The victim’s current condition and whereabouts remain the immediate focus of the investigation.