Hyderabad cab driver arrested for allegedly raping airline crew member
- A 35-year-old cab driver has been arrested in Hyderabad for allegedly raping a female cabin crew member.
- The accused picked up the victim from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport for a drop-off to her accommodation.
- Police are investigating whether the driver used a ride-hailing platform and if any security protocols were breached.
Driver arrested after complaint from victim
Hyderabad police have arrested a 35-year-old cab driver on charges of raping a cabin crew member. The incident came to light after the victim, an employee of a private airline, lodged a complaint late Tuesday night.
According to officials, the woman had booked a cab from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport after returning from a flight. The driver picked her up around 10.30 pm and was supposed to drop her at a designated accommodation facility for airline staff.
Alleged assault during the ride
The woman told police that the driver took a detour from the planned route. He then allegedly stopped the vehicle at an isolated spot near Shamshabad and assaulted her. After the ordeal, the driver dropped her at her accommodation and fled.
The victim immediately contacted her colleagues, who helped her reach the nearest police station. Based on her statement, a case was registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including rape.
Accused identified, taken into custody
Police tracked down the accused using the cab's registration number and the ride-hailing app's trip records. The driver, a resident of a nearby colony, was arrested early Wednesday morning.
Senior police officials confirmed that the accused has been remanded to judicial custody. They added that the cab has been seized for forensic examination. The ride-hailing company has been asked to share details of the driver's background verification and trip logs.
Investigation underway
Investigators are verifying whether the driver had any prior criminal record. They are also checking if he was using a registered platform and if the app's safety features, like live tracking and emergency alerts, were functional during the trip.
The airline has issued a statement saying it is cooperating with the police and extending all support to the victim. Industry bodies have called for stricter background checks for drivers working with app-based transport services.
What happens next: Police will produce the accused in court for a remand hearing and continue to gather digital evidence. The ride-hailing company faces scrutiny over its safety protocols for female passengers, especially during late-night rides.