New Delhi: A 16-year-old Class 11 student from Uttar Pradesh was allegedly gang-raped inside a sleeper bus after she was offered a lift towards Noida, police said. The Delhi Police have arrested the bus driver and conductor in connection with the case.
The incident reportedly took place on the night of August 4, when the girl was travelling from Uttar Pradesh towards Noida to meet her cousin. According to police sources, she had accidentally got down at Pari Chowk in Greater Noida amid heavy rain and darkness.
Girl Offered Lift Towards Noida
According to the investigation, an empty sleeper bus passing through the area stopped after the girl signalled to the driver for help.
The driver, identified by police as Kuldeep, and the conductor, identified as Sandeep, allegedly told her that they were heading towards Noida Sector 63 and offered her a lift.
The girl then boarded the bus.
Police said that after the bus started moving, the conductor allegedly behaved inappropriately towards the girl. The two accused allegedly sexually assaulted her inside the sleeper bus and threatened her with serious consequences if she resisted.
The allegations are being investigated by the Delhi Police.
Victim Dropped Near Kashmere Gate
According to police, the bus travelled approximately 47 kilometres from Pari Chowk towards Delhi.
The girl was allegedly dropped near the Ring Road area close to the Kashmere Gate ISBT later that night. She subsequently approached the Kashmere Gate police and reported the incident.
The police registered a case and began investigating the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault.
Driver and Conductor Arrested
Delhi Police subsequently arrested both accused from a bus parking area in Timarpur, north Delhi.
The sleeper bus involved in the incident has also been seized and sent for forensic examination as part of the investigation. Police are examining evidence from the vehicle and other circumstances surrounding the alleged crime.
According to investigators, the bus had earlier developed a mechanical problem and had been taken to a workshop in Greater Noida’s Surajpur area for repairs. After the repair work was completed, the driver and conductor were reportedly taking the empty bus towards Timarpur when they encountered the girl.
Curtains Inside Sleeper Bus Under Scanner
Police have reportedly noted that the sleeper bus had curtains around the berths, potentially making it difficult for people outside the vehicle to see what was happening inside.
Investigators are examining the bus and other available evidence to establish the sequence of events and corroborate the allegations.
The victim’s identity has not been disclosed in accordance with laws protecting the privacy of minors who are victims of sexual offences.
Investigation Underway
The case remains under investigation, and further details are expected as police examine forensic evidence and record statements connected with the incident.
The arrest of the driver and conductor came after the minor approached the police and reported the alleged assault. Authorities are continuing to investigate the case and determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
