Bilaspur: Accused Flees After Alleged Assault in Station Road Lodge
Bilaspur: Police in Bilaspur have registered a case of alleged sexual assault against a Rapido bike rider who allegedly exploited a woman's trust and took her to a lodge on Station Road. The accused has fled, and a search is underway. Authorities are also examining the conduct of the lodge operator in connection with the incident.
The complainant is a 25-year-old woman from Korba who works at a private life insurance company in Vyapar Vihar, Bilaspur. Her job is to contact customers and provide information about insurance schemes and policies.
Ride led to exchange of numbers
Police say the woman booked a Rapido bike on October 27 to travel to Raipur. Abhishek Saluja, a resident of Dayalband, was the rider who dropped her at the railway station. During the trip, the two talked and exchanged phone numbers. She had told him about her work and the policy plans she offers.
Alleged plan to buy policy
According to the complaint, on October 28 the accused called her and invited her to discuss an insurance policy. After hearing about the scheme, he said he wanted to buy one before Diwali. He then suggested they sit in a calm place to go over the plan, citing the noise around them.
The woman says he brought her to a lodge on Station Road. After they entered the room, he closed the door and used force against her. When she resisted, she was threatened. The accused then left the premises.
Search on for accused
Tarbahar police registered the case against Abhishek Saluja under the relevant sections of law based on the woman's complaint. Additional SP Pankaj Patel said a police team raided the accused's house but did not find him. Inquiries showed that his family had also asked him to leave the house. Police are now searching possible hideouts. The accused has not been arrested yet.
Lodge's identity checks under scrutiny
The lodge's identification practices have also come under scrutiny. The complainant said identity documents were taken from her, but the accused was not asked for any proof of identity. During questioning, the lodge operator told police that the accused was a local resident, which was why no ID was collected.
TI Sanip Ratre said police plan to issue a notice to the lodge operator over this lapse and take action under the rules. The investigation will also examine why identity verification norms for guests were not followed.