In a disturbing incident that has raised serious concerns about women's safety in app-based transport services, a bike taxi driver was arrested in East Delhi for allegedly molesting a woman passenger and robbing her. The terrifying ordeal unfolded in the Preet Vihar area, sending shockwaves through the community.
The accused, identified as 26-year-old Sahil, allegedly preyed on a woman who had booked his services through a bike taxi application. What began as a routine ride quickly turned into a nightmare when the driver took a detour into a secluded lane instead of following the designated route.
The Harrowing Sequence of Events
According to police reports, the incident occurred when the woman was returning home after meeting friends. She had booked the bike taxi service, trusting the platform's safety measures. However, the driver's actions soon revealed malicious intent.
The terrifying ordeal included:
- Taking an unauthorized detour into isolated areas
- Physically molesting the passenger during the ride
- Stealing the victim's mobile phone
- Taking cash from her possession
- Abandoning her in an unfamiliar location
Swift Police Action Brings Justice
The East Delhi police acted promptly after the victim filed her complaint. Using technical surveillance and digital footprints, authorities tracked down the accused within hours of the incident. Sahil was apprehended from his residence, and the stolen items were recovered.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Apoorva Gupta confirmed that the accused has been charged under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including molestation and robbery. The investigation also aims to determine if the accused had committed similar crimes in the past.
Growing Safety Concerns for Ride-Hailing Services
This incident has sparked renewed concerns about the safety protocols implemented by bike taxi services in the National Capital Region. Despite companies claiming to have robust verification processes and safety features, such incidents continue to occur, putting passengers at risk.
Women's safety advocates are calling for:
- Enhanced background checks for drivers
- Improved in-app emergency features
- Regular safety audits of service providers
- Stricter penalties for platform violations
The Delhi Police has urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior immediately. They have also advised passengers to share ride details with family members and verify driver credentials before beginning their journey.
