PANAJI
The Women police have arrested a bus driver on charges of allegedly raping an engineering student while she was on a Christmas outing with her colleagues.
The 35-year-old accused identified as Chandrashekhar Lamani is charged under section 376 (rape) of the Indian Penal Code and remanded to five days of police custody.
The incident occurred in the bus -- parked near a city hotel close to the Panaji bus stand -- when the accused forced himself on the young student, who was allegedly incapacitated as she was under the influence of alcohol.
"A group of around 14 students had hired their college bus to tour them to Panaji and other places, being Christmas on Sunday. The victim had allegedly consumed Vodka, although we are not sure if other students were also drunk," police sources said.
While the victim's colleagues stepped out to explore the city, the former stayed back. "The driver took the opportunity of the situation and forced himself on her. The victim had no strength to defend herself or shout for help... After regaining full consciousness, she reported the matter to her friends who approached the police to book the accused driver," the police said.
Lamani, the police said, lives in the accommodation provided by the college within the campus.
The victim was subjected to medical examination that confirmed she was raped. Her statement was also recorded on Monday.
