Crimes against women in India continue to raise deep concern, with countless stories of harassment and assault surfacing despite growing awareness and stronger laws. Each such incident serves as a grim reminder of how unsafe public spaces and transport can still be for women, especially during late hours.
In one such disturbing case, a 22 years old woman in Chennai was allegedly raped by a bike taxi driver whom she had hired to travel across the city. The accused, identified as Sivakumar, was arrested on Tuesday and later produced before a court, which sent him to judicial custody. Police also seized the motorcycle used in the crime.
Investigations revealed that the woman had booked the ride late on Monday night to go to Pakkikaranai to meet a friend. She requested the driver Sivakumar to wait and take her back home after her visit. However, during the return journey in the early hours of Tuesday, the driver allegedly took a deserted route, threatened the woman and assaulted her.
After committing the crime, Sivakumar reportedly dropped the woman at her home. Shocked and traumatised, she later told her husband about the incident and together they approached the police to file a complaint.
Based on her statement, officers from the T-5 Vanagaram Police Station began an investigation and confirmed the details of her account. According to the police statement, the complaint was found to be true after investigation and a case was registered against the accused Sivakumar.
The case adds to the growing calls for stricter safety measures for women using ride-hailing services and public transport at night. For many, this incident is another reminder that ensuring women’s safety in cities remains an urgent and unfinished task.
