A Lucknow University student booked a bike ride via an app on October 8, during which the driver, Rahul Agnihotri, took her to a secluded spot and molested her. The victim filed a complaint, following which the police arrested the accused and sent him to jail. The Mission Shakti team is investigating the case.
Lucknow University: In Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, on October 8, a Lucknow University student booked a bike ride through an app. However, the driver, Rahul Agnihotri, used the excuse of a shortcut to take her to a secluded location and molested her. When the victim protested, the driver dropped her near a hospital and fled. Police obtained information from the ride-sharing company, arrested the accused, and sent him to jail. The investigation has been handed over to the Mission Shakti team.
Driver's Misconduct
According to the student, as soon as she protested the change in route, the driver made objectionable comments to her. He also attempted to touch the girl inappropriately. The victim stated that despite her fear and panic, she showed courage and told the driver to stop. Subsequently, the driver dropped the girl near Vivekananda Hospital and fled the scene.
Family's Support and Police Complaint
Immediately after the incident, the victim called her family. Her family encouraged her and promptly informed the police. A complaint was filed on October 9 at Mahanagar Police Station. In the complaint, the victim stated that the driver intentionally changed the route and behaved objectionably with her.
Police identified the driver with the help of an e-challan app and the vehicle number. The accused is named Rahul Agnihotri, a resident of Ekta Nagar under the PGI police station area. During interrogation, the accused attempted to resist the police, but they apprehended him, arrested him, and sent him to jail.
Police Investigation
The Mission Shakti team has been assigned to investigate the case. The team includes Sub-Inspectors Deepti, Rashmi Singh, and Mahesh Kumar Shukla. The police have also requested information from the ride-sharing company regarding the driver's verification and background check. The investigation will clarify whether the company thoroughly vetted the driver's background.
Issue of Student Safety
This incident has raised serious questions about the safety of female students. The increasing number of such cases around Lucknow University and in the city has heightened feelings of fear and insecurity among them. Police officials state that such cases are being taken seriously, and the culprits will not be spared under any circumstances.
The police have intensified the investigation by gathering information from the ride-sharing company. A further objective of the investigation is to determine whether the company thoroughly verified the driver's criminal background and identity. This could help prevent such incidents in the future.
