March 29: Forty-year-old Jagat Jyoti Das, accused of raping a domestic help, was remanded in judicial custody today.

Das, who is employed as an engineer with Bongaigaon Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (BRPL), was arrested for allegedly raping the teenage maid of his acquaintance at Kahilipara yesterday.

“Das was remanded in judicial custody after he was produced in court today,” a police officer said.

A case was registered against him at Dispur police station under Section 376 IPC.

The police said Das, who is a resident of Bongaigaon town, arrived in the city yesterday and went to visit his friend K. Das in Kahilipara in the evening.

“Das reportedly found the 14-year-old maid alone in the house when the owner was away and raped her,” the police officer said.

The incident came to light when some of the neighbours heard the victim crying. The neighbours then caught the accused and handed him over to the police.

Das was arrested last night on basis of the victim’s statement before the police.

“The victim has been medically examined and the report is awaited,” the source said. Her condition is currently said to be stable.

The incident has evoked a sharp reaction from the residents of the area, particularly women’s organisations, which have demanded stern action against the accused.