Delhi bus gang rape case: DNA samples of accused match those recovered from survivor's clothes
Forensic evidence, including DNA samples, links the bus driver and conductor to the gang rape of a minor in a moving sleeper bus.
The Delhi Police has filed a comprehensive 398-page chargesheet against a bus driver and a conductor accused of gang-raping a minor inside a moving sleeper bus. Forensic evidence, specifically DNA profiles, has emerged as a critical component of the prosecution's case, as the samples from the accused have been found to match biological material recovered from the survivor's clothing and the vehicle itself.
Forensic Evidence Links Accused to Crime
According to the chargesheet filed before the Tis Hazari Court, the investigation relied heavily on biological evidence. Forensic teams recovered hair strands and semen from the bus and the survivor's garments. These samples were sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), and the resulting reports, which confirm the DNA match, have been annexed to the formal chargesheet.
The investigation has charged the duo under several stringent provisions, including:
- The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for gang rape of a minor, kidnapping, and wrongful confinement.
- The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for penetrative and aggravated penetrative sexual assault.
The Night of the Incident
The harrowing incident occurred on the night of August 4. The survivor, a minor traveling from Mainpuri in Uttar Pradesh, was attempting to reach a relative in Noida's Sector 63. Unfamiliar with the area, she was waiting near Pari Chowk in Greater Noida when the bus allegedly stopped near her. After being told the bus was heading toward Noida, she boarded the vehicle.
The survivor later realized there were no other passengers on board. When she attempted to disembark, the conductor allegedly prevented her from leaving. The investigation alleges that the sexual assault took place while the bus was in motion. The vehicle traveled approximately 47 km before reaching the Kashmere Gate area of Delhi, where the minor was allegedly abandoned.
Systemic Failures and Safety Lapses
Beyond the criminal acts of the individuals, the police investigation highlighted significant regulatory and safety failures regarding the bus operator. The chargesheet revealed several alarming details:
- Non-functional Surveillance: The bus was operating with a non-functional CCTV camera.
- Traffic Violations: The vehicle had 11 pending traffic challans, including violations related to permits and safety requirements.
- Visibility Issues: The use of heavy curtains was noted, which restricted visibility into the passenger compartment.
- Lack of Verification: The driver and conductor were allegedly employed without undergoing mandatory police verification.
The police traced the bus to a parking area in Timarpur, Delhi, through CCTV footage analysis, leading to the arrest of the driver and conductor. The court took cognisance of the chargesheet on September 24, and the matter is scheduled for arguments on charges on October 7.