Manipur Student Alleges Mishandling of Harassment Case by Delhi Police, Cab Driver Secures Easy Bail
A 19-year-old student from Manipur, studying at Delhi University, has raised serious allegations against Delhi police officials, accusing them of mishandling her harassment complaint and allowing her attacker, a cab driver, an easy path to bail. According to a report by news agency PTI, the student claimed that the police filed only minor charges against the driver who had attempted to sexually assault her, thus enabling him to secure bail quickly.
The incident occurred on the night of October 5, when the student was traveling from her rented house near North Campus to ISBT at around 11:10 PM. She had booked a cab through an online aggregator. During the ride, she said the driver began asking her uncomfortable and intrusive questions, making her feel uneasy. As the journey progressed, the situation took a more dangerous turn.
According to the student’s account, the driver, identified as Vinod, allegedly held her against her will and drove to an isolated location, where he attempted to sexually assault her. When she resisted his advances, he threatened to kill her. In a state of fear, she managed to escape from the cab and sought help from the police.
However, her ordeal did not end there. Upon reaching out to the authorities, the student was met with what she described as shocking indifference. The police’s response, according to her, was slow and dismissive. She alleged that she had to wait for seven hours before her complaint was even registered.
“When I reached out to the North-Eastern State Helpline of Delhi Police, instead of offering immediate support, they merely redirected me to the nearest police station,” the student said. Following this, she approached the Model Town Police Station, hoping for a prompt and effective response, but was instead met with further delay and a lack of urgency.
The police eventually filed an FIR against the cab driver on Monday, several days after the incident. The charges included were under sections 127(2) (wrongful confinement) and 351 (criminal intimidation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (the Indian Penal Code’s successor). These charges, however, are considered minor, and the cab driver was able to secure bail on the same day.
The student expressed her frustration and concern over the way her case was handled. “Despite a clear and serious threat to my life, the FIR that was eventually filed included only minor charges, allowing the culprit an easy path to bail. The lenient handling of the case and the failure to take immediate, necessary actions are deeply concerning,” she told PTI.
Adding to her concerns, the student mentioned that the cab driver who arrived to pick her up was different from the one shown in the online booking profile. She also revealed that the driver knew her residential area, which she believes poses a continued threat to her safety. Fearing for her life, she appealed to the Special Commissioner of Police for protection.
In her complaint, the student highlighted the need for more serious action and questioned the handling of her case by the police. She emphasized that the situation called for more than just minor charges, considering the grave nature of the crime and the potential danger she faces.
A senior police officer told PTI that they have received the student’s complaint and are currently looking into the matter. However, no further details were provided about any additional actions or investigations being pursued.
This incident raises important concerns about the treatment of harassment and assault cases, particularly those involving vulnerable individuals such as women and students. The student’s experience of delayed action, inadequate charges, and perceived indifference from the authorities underscores the challenges faced by victims when seeking justice.
The case also highlights the broader issue of safety for women, especially those living away from their hometowns in cities like Delhi. Despite numerous efforts to improve women’s safety in urban areas, incidents like this continue to reveal gaps in the system.
As the investigation unfolds, the student’s call for justice and protection serves as a stark reminder of the need for greater accountability in handling cases of harassment and assault. The focus must remain on ensuring that victims receive the support they need and that their complaints are taken seriously, without undue delay or leniency towards the perpetrators.