London/IBNS: An Indian-origin man has been arrested in the UK for allegedly raping a woman, police said on Sunday.
The incident happened in Cardiff city in the UK.
“CCTV showed Preet Vikal carrying the victim in his arms and later across his shoulders of the city centre,” police said in a statement.
“The 20-year-old admitted the rape committed during the early hours of June 4, 2022,” the police said.
Police said the victim has described being left shaken, being unable to sleep, and feeling a sense of guilt as a result of his actions.
Vikal came across the woman while she was on a night out with friends in Cardiff city centre.
“She began to walk home from The Friary area with friends but is later seen on CCTV being carried by Vikal on King Edward VII Avenue and North Road,” police said.
Vikal continued to carry her to a property in the North Road area where she was raped.
Detective Constable Nick Woodland said:
“Stranger attacks such as these are extremely unusual in Cardiff but in Preet Vikal we had a dangerous individual.
“He took advantage of an intoxicated and vulnerable young woman who became separated from her friends.”
Officers carried out an extensive trawl of CCTV and it was this footage, along with an Instagram message exchange with the victim, that led to Vikal being identified and arrested.
The victim bravely provided officers with an account of what happened.
“From the minute this was reported, we were absolutely 100 per cent committed to identifying the person responsible and bringing him to justice,” added DC Woodland.
“Enquires revealed inconsistencies with the accounts provided by the defendant, and it was this, along with the continued bravery of the victim, that ultimately led to him pleading guilty.
“We hope the sentencing brings some sense of closure and allows the woman to regain her confidence and move on with her life.
“We wish to thank those witnesses who came forward as a result of a public appeal for information and supported our investigation.”
Vikal was sentenced to six years and nine months in a young offenders institution. He will serve two thirds of the sentence in custody and the remainder on licence.
