Patna: Delhi Police have expanded their investigation into the alleged gang-rape of a woman inside a private sleeper bus in the national capital, with inquiries now extending to Bihar after preliminary findings raised questions about the vehicle’s regulatory compliance and operational history.
According to investigators, the bus involved in the case carried a Bihar registration and was linked to Gopalganj.
Police teams have reportedly contacted the transport authorities in Bihar to obtain records relating to:
- permits
- outstanding penalties
- ownership details
- operational violations
Bus Allegedly Continued Operating Despite Violations
According to preliminary findings, the bus had allegedly been digitally impounded earlier for violations including:
- operating without a valid permit
- overspeeding
- overloading
Despite this, officials said the vehicle continued operating.
Police have not yet officially confirmed reports suggesting the bus had accumulated pending fines worth approximately Rs 4 lakh or whether it had been blacklisted by Bihar’s transport department.
Investigators said the vehicle belonged to a private operator based in Gopalganj and was functioning under a tourist permit for routes between Bihar and Delhi.
Officials are also examining:
- the authenticity of the driver’s licence
- operational documents of the vehicle
- the employment history of the accused
One police official said investigators were trying to determine how long the two accused had been driving the bus.
Woman Allegedly Assaulted Inside Sleeper Bus
According to police, the incident took place on the night of May 11 in Delhi’s Mangolpuri area.
The survivor, a 30-year-old married woman and mother of three, alleged that she was dragged into the private sleeper bus while returning home from work and was gang-raped by the driver and conductor.
Police said the woman had been returning from a factory in the Mangolpuri area when she reached a bus stand near Block B of Saraswati Vihar.
According to her statement:
- she asked one of the accused for the time
- she was then allegedly pulled into the bus
- the vehicle was driven towards Nangloi
- both accused allegedly raped her in turn
Investigators said the bus was later found parked near Nangloi Metro Station.
The vehicle has since been seized.
Both Accused Arrested
Delhi Police said both accused were arrested shortly after the complaint was registered.
Vikram Singh said an FIR was registered at Rani Bagh police station under sections related to:
- rape
- gang rape
- common intention
of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Police said:
- one accused was arrested immediately after the FIR
- the second was arrested within four hours
Both have since been sent to judicial custody.
Investigators are now examining:
- CCTV footage
- forensic evidence from the bus
- medical reports
- whether the bus was moving during the assault
- whether any passengers were present at the time
NCW Seeks Report From Delhi Police
The National Commission for Women has taken suo motu cognisance of the case.
Commission chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has written to the Delhi Police commissioner seeking an action-taken report within seven days and directing authorities to ensure a swift investigation.
The case has revived public memories of the 2012 Delhi gang-rape case and renewed concerns regarding women’s safety in public transport spaces.
