A 19-year-old bike taxi driver, Siddhesh Pardeshi, was arrested in Kalyan, Maharashtra, for molesting and robbing a 26-year-old woman on December 13.
The woman had booked a bike taxi to go to her gym. Pardeshi diverted the route to a desolate, dark stretch near the police colony in Syndicate area. When she objected, he stopped the scooter, grabbed her hand forcefully, molested her, and attempted to rape her. He also snatched her purse and stole Rs 1,000 from it.The woman’s screams attracted locals, who rushed to the spot, caught Pardeshi, beat him severely, rescued her, and handed him over to police. Officers recovered a knife from the accused.
Police registered a case based on her complaint and remanded Pardeshi in custody till December 18. Investigation is underway to check if he was involved in similar crimes. Rapido clarified he was not their captain, as the ride was booked on another platform. Authorities issued a challan under Motor Vehicles Act for violations and initiated action against the aggregator.
