19-Year-Old Student Allegedly Drugged, Raped By Auto Driver In Maharashtra's Ratnagiri

A 19-year-old nursing student was allegedly drugged and raped by an auto driver while on her way home from college in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, according to police reports. The driver reportedly offered the student water laced with drugs, and once she lost consciousness, he took her to a secluded area and sexually assaulted her.

Police officials stated that the student had booked the auto-rickshaw for her journey home when the attack occurred. After regaining consciousness, the survivor immediately contacted her family.

Her family filed a police complaint on Monday, leading to widespread protests in Ratnagiri, where locals blocked roads demanding justice for the victim.

Authorities are actively searching for the driver, utilizing CCTV footage to aid in the investigation. The survivor is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital.

19-year-old nursing student raped in Maharashtras Ratnagiri.

The incident happened while she boarded an auto rickshaw to reach home. She was offered water laced with sedatives, by the auto driver. He thereafter took her to a secluded place, raped her, and fled the scene.… pic.twitter.com/VHKMxlVIcn

— Vani Mehrotra (@vani_mehrotra) August 27, 2024

This incident has emerged amid nationwide protests over the recent rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at Kolkata's state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. Healthcare professionals have been advocating for enhanced security measures due to their late-night shifts.