A 32-year-old man was arrested for rape a day before he was scheduled to return to India to get married.
Lukman Kizhakke Puthan Purayil is accused of raping a woman at his residence in Mosta on the night between 1 and 2 October.
According to the woman, she was at his apartment when he served her alcohol, causing her to become heavily intoxicated. She told police that she had never consumed alcohol before this.
The woman said she woke up the following morning completely naked, with blood running down her legs. Lukman was allegedly also naked beside her. When she asked what had happened, he reportedly told her that they had engaged in sexual intercourse.
The alleged victim further informed officers that Lukman was set to leave Malta the next day to return to India for his wedding. Police subsequently arrested him at his workplace in Għaxaq.
An audiovisual statement documenting the woman’s account was taken by investigators.
Bail was not requested at this stage, and Lukman was remanded in custody.
Inspectors Wayne Buhagiar and Italo Mizzi prosecuted together with Attorney General lawyer Miriayah Borg
Magistrate Nadia-Helena Vella presided over the case.
Lawyer Victor Bugeja appeared for the man.