Heavy rain, darkness, drawn curtains: The bus ride that ended in gang rape - The Times of India

**Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh –** A 16‑year‑old girl was allegedly gang‑raped on a moving intercity sleeper bus on the night of 30 July, when heavy rain and near‑total darkness forced many passengers to keep the bus curtains drawn. According to police statements, the incident occurred sometime after midnight as the vehicle travelled along the Delhi‑Noida‑Greater Noida corridor. The victim, who was travelling alone, reported that a group of three men entered the compartment and assaulted her while the driver and conductor were allegedly complicit in allowing the attack to continue.

The Uttar Pradesh Police launched an immediate investigation, registering a First Information Report (FIR) and apprehending two of the accused on the same day. Both suspects, identified as Rohit (23) and Amit (21), were taken into custody and are being held for further interrogation. The driver, Satish (45), and the conductor, Manoj (38), have also been detained on charges of criminal negligence and failing to provide assistance, as they are alleged to have left the curtains drawn and the interior lights off, creating an environment that facilitated the assault. The police have announced that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) will be formed to trace the third alleged assailant, who remains at large.

The case has sparked outrage among local residents, women's rights groups, and political leaders, who are demanding stricter safety protocols for public transport, especially during adverse weather conditions. The Delhi Police and the Uttar Pradesh Transport Department have issued a joint advisory urging commuters to report any suspicious activity and to keep bus windows and curtains open for visibility. The victim’s family has called for swift justice, while the state government has pledged to expedite the trial and review existing regulations governing night‑time bus operations.

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