The woman, who is from Manipur, joined as a spa consultant in an office at IFFCO Chowk, Gurgaon, three days ago. She lives with her brother in Mahipalpur.

She told police that she accepted the man’s offer of a lift, but he took her to a secluded place in Bamdoli area and raped her in the car.

“The driver did not take the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway. He told her that they are lost as he was not sure of the way. The woman then called her brother and asked for directions. Later, when her brother tried to call her, her phone was switched off,” said Gen Samte, a friend of the victim.

Police said that the accused beat up the woman when she tried to resist; there are several bruises and scars on her face. According to police, the accused left the woman behind the bushes and fled. He also switched her phone off and threw it in the bushes.

After she gained consciousness, she went to the main road to seek help, police said. She asked a passer-by for a mobile phone and called her brother, who informed the police. “We received the call from the victim’s relatives and the woman was rushed to the AIIMS Trauma Centre. Her medical examination confirmed rape and a case was registered,” said a police officer.

The police have several leads in the case and have recovered two debit cards — of SBI and HDFC — from the spot, along with a pair of shoes and socks, which belong to the accused.

The victim has told the police that she can recognise the accused.