Biological evidence, including semen and hair samples, has surfaced as critical proof against two individuals charged with the rape of a 17-year-old girl aboard a moving sleeper bus traveling approximately 47 kilometers from Greater Noida to Kashmere Gate in Delhi during August.
Earlier this month, the Delhi Police submitted a comprehensive 398-page chargesheet regarding the incident, which was acknowledged by the court last week, as reported by officials involved in the case.
As per her account to the police, the victim indicated to the men present that she intended to travel to Noida, to which she was informed that the bus was en route to that location. Upon entering the bus, she soon discovered that she was the sole passenger and attempted to disembark; however, it is alleged that the conductor forcibly prevented her from leaving.
The police have asserted that the purported assault occurred while the bus was en route to Delhi. Following the incident, the girl was reportedly left at Kashmere Gate and subsequently approached the local police for assistance.
Recognizing the delicate nature of the case, law enforcement conducted a medical examination of the victim and registered the complaint without any unnecessary delays related to jurisdiction.
Utilizing CCTV surveillance footage, authorities were able to locate the bus in a parking area in Timarpur and apprehended the suspects—bus driver Kuldeep, aged 39, and conductor Sandeep, aged 26—both from Kanpur, within four hours of the incident.
During the investigation, several alarming issues were uncovered. Authorities tracked the bus’s route through Greater Noida, Noida, and Delhi, discovering that it had not undergone any safety or compliance checks during its journey. The investigation revealed that the bus had accumulated 11 outstanding traffic violations, including seven citations issued in July for various infractions related to speed limit compliance and permit issues.
Additionally, it was determined that both suspects had been employed without undergoing mandatory police verification. The bus’s CCTV system was found to be inoperative, and heavy curtains obscured its windows.
Investigators also assessed whether essential safety features such as GPS tracking systems and panic buttons were installed and functioning at the time of the alleged crime.
Biological samples collected throughout the investigation were dispatched to the Forensic Science Laboratory for analysis, with police requesting an expedited report as they prepared to present the case for trial.
Sakshi Chand serves as an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express in New Delhi, where she has accumulated over ten years of experience in investigative journalism. She is recognized for her expertise in crime reporting, the prison system, and matters of institutional governance within the National Capital.
Her specialization includes high-profile crime cases, national security issues, prison reform, and traffic governance. Chand has covered significant events such as the 2G spectrum scandal, the riots in North-East Delhi in 2020, and communal violence incidents in Uttar Pradesh, including Kasganj and Aligarh.
Prior to her tenure at The Indian Express, she worked as a reporter for The Times of India. In addition to her journalism career, Sakshi is a national-level basketball player and coach, showcasing her commitment to sports alongside her professional endeavors.
In late 2025, her reporting highlighted a major terrorism investigation and accountability in governance. This included in-depth coverage of a car explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort, where she reported on forensic findings and victim support measures. She also addressed issues related to crime and police accountability, including a crackdown on extortion gangs and corruption within the police force.
Chand is known for her analytical and investigative style, often utilizing forensic data, CCTV footage, and administrative records to provide a deeper understanding of crime narratives. Her prison reporting is particularly noted for shedding light on the legal and humanitarian conditions faced by detainees in both foreign and local facilities.
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