Ottawa: A 40-year-old Indian-origin man has been arrested in Surrey, British Columbia, in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a young woman at Bear Creek Park, Canadian police said.
The accused, identified as Jagendar Kurana, was arrested on August 12 after investigators identified a man who allegedly matched the description provided by the victim. Kurana has been charged with two offences under Canada’s Criminal Code—sexual assault and sexual interference.
The case relates to an incident reported to the Surrey Police Service on August 9. Police said the young woman told officers that she had been approached and allegedly groped by an adult man while she was at Bear Creek Park. The man then reportedly fled the area.
Police Search Park and Surrounding Areas
Following the report, Surrey Police Service officers carried out extensive patrols of Bear Creek Park and surrounding areas in an effort to locate the suspect. However, the initial search did not lead to an immediate arrest.
Police said the victim was not physically injured during the alleged incident. Investigators subsequently obtained a description of the suspect and began efforts to identify him. The woman described the alleged attacker as a South Asian man who was approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall. At the time of the incident, the suspect was reportedly wearing a blue Adidas toque, a black T-shirt, black pants and black flip-flops.
Public Appeal Helps Investigation
As part of the investigation, Surrey police issued a public appeal last week seeking information that could help identify the suspect. Authorities also released photographs of the man in an effort to generate leads from members of the public.
The appeal soon resulted in the identification of a man matching the description provided to investigators.
Police said Kurana was arrested on August 12, three days after the alleged
incident was reported.
The British Columbia Prosecution Service subsequently approved two Criminal Code charges against him.
Police said Kurana was remanded in custody and is awaiting a bail hearing.
Investigation Remains Ongoing
Authorities said the investigation into the alleged assault is continuing.
Police have not released additional details about the circumstances of the incident or disclosed whether investigators are looking into any other possible offences.
Police have urged anyone with information relevant to the investigation to come forward.
The allegations against Kurana have not been proven in court. As with any
criminal case, he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.