Manipuri DU Student Harassed by Cab Driver in Delhi: Delayed Police Action Raises Concerns
A 19-year-old student from Manipur, studying at Delhi University, has reported a disturbing case of harassment by a cab driver in Delhi. The incident happened on October 5. The student was returning to her rented home near North Campus from ISBT. She claims that the driver made inappropriate advances and took her to a secluded area, intending to assault her. When she tried to seek help from the police, she said they did not take her complaint seriously.
What Happened
The Manipuri DU student explained her incident. During the ride, the cab driver started asking her uncomfortable questions. His behavior became increasingly inappropriate, and soon he changed the route, driving to a lonely spot. His actions made it clear that he intended to harm her. When the student resisted, the driver threatened to kill her, putting her life in immediate danger.
Fortunately, she managed to escape from the situation and quickly approached the police. But, she says, the police did not respond with the urgency she expected, given the serious threat she had faced.
Police Delayed Action
According to the student, after she escaped, she called the North-Eastern State Helpline of the Delhi Police, hoping for quick help. However, instead of taking action right away, they told her to go to the nearest police station. This delayed the process and caused further frustration.
She then went to the Model Town Police Station, expecting swift action due to the seriousness of the crime. Instead, she claims she had to wait for seven long hours before her complaint was even registered. The delay and lack of urgency from the police shocked her, especially because she felt her life was at risk.
Minor Charges Filed
The police eventually registered an FIR under sections 127(2) (wrongful confinement) and 351 (criminal intimidation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. However, the Manipuri DU student was extremely disappointed with the charges, which she felt were too minor for the gravity of the crime.
She expressed frustration that despite the clear threat to her life, only minor charges were filed against the driver. This allowed him to get bail on the same day he was arrested. The student criticized the police for handling the case leniently. She said that the charges should have reflected the danger she faced, not just small offences that let the driver walk free so easily.
Key Issues Raised by the Student
The Manipuri DU student highlighted several important concerns about her experience:
- Threat to Life: The driver not only tried to assault her but also threatened to kill her.
- Delayed Police Response: Despite the danger, she had to wait for seven hours before her complaint was filed.
- Lenient Charges: The charges were too light, allowing the driver to get bail on the same day of his arrest.
- Helpline Response: The North-Eastern State Helpline didnāt provide the quick help she expected. It instead redirected her to a local police station.
- Safety Risks: The student revealed that the cab driver was not the same person shown on the app, and he knew where she lived, which put her at further risk.
Plea for Protection and Justice
In her appeal to the authorities, the Manipuri DU student said that she still fears for her safety because the driver knows where she lives. She has asked the police for protection, as she feels vulnerable to further harassment or threats.
She has also called for a more thorough investigation and stricter charges against the driver. She believes that the current charges do not reflect the seriousness of the crime. She hopes that stronger legal actions will be taken to ensure justice.
A senior police officer has confirmed that the complaint has been received and is under investigation. However, no further details about the progress of the case have been shared yet. The Manipuri DU student is hoping for a fair investigation and justice.
Safety Concerns in Delhi
This case involving the Manipuri DU student highlights ongoing concerns about the safety of women, particularly students and young professionals, in Delhi. Many women have shared similar fears about using cab services, especially at night. This incident also raises broader concerns about the treatment of people from North-Eastern states in Delhi, where they often feel vulnerable and neglected.
The harassment case involving the Manipuri DU student shows the need for quicker police action and tougher handling of crimes like harassment, assault, and life threats. Filing minor charges for such a serious crime raises questions about how well the system protects victims.
For the Manipuri DU student, the fight for justice is far from over. As the investigation continues, her story serves as a reminder that the safety of all individuals, regardless of their background, must be a priority.
