CHENNAI: A 40-year-old laboratory technician was arrested on Wednesday night for allegedly sexually assaulting a 23-year-old nurse inside her residential quarters in Kilpauk. The incident occurred when the nurse, resting after her shift, opened her door assuming it could be a co-worker.

Police said the accused, identified as Bruce Lee of Mugalivakkam in Porur, forced his way into the room, silenced the nurse and assaulted her. Her screams alerted neighbours who intervened and handed Lee over to the Kilpauk All Women’s Police Station.

Investigations revealed that Lee, father of two, had previously worked with a nurse at a hospital in Kodambakkam and had become close to her. The nurse reportedly broke off with Lee after discovering his marital status and joined another hospital.

Police alleged Lee tracked down her new workplace and residence. On the night of the incident, he purportedly entered her quarters intending to confront her, instead found another nurse in the room and assaulted her.

Lee was produced before a magistrate and remanded in judicial custody.