New Delhi, Sept 2: Investigators probing the alleged sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl inside a sleeper bus have recovered fingerprints and other forensic material from the vehicle, officials said on Wednesday.
The fingerprints reportedly include those of the survivor and the two arrested suspects, identified as bus driver Kuldeep and conductor Sandeep. Police have also seized clothing belonging to the accused and sent it for forensic examination.
Forensic samples have been collected from various parts of the bus, including seats and the steering area. The DNA examination is yet to be completed, and investigators are awaiting the report as they work to reconstruct the events surrounding the alleged incident.
The teenager had reportedly boarded the bus after taking a lift near Pari Chowk in Greater Noida on August 4. According to her complaint, the driver and conductor allegedly sexually assaulted her inside the vehicle and threatened her before leaving her near Kashmere Gate in Delhi.
The two suspects were arrested the same day from a parking area in Timarpur, according to police.Investigators have seized the bus and examined CCTV recordings from locations along its route.
The footage is being analysed to establish the vehicle’s movements and determine the sequence of events during the relevant period.Police are also expected to file a charge sheet after completing the investigation and compiling the available evidence.
Separately, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of media reports concerning the alleged assault.
The commission said the reported incident, if found to be true, raises serious concerns relating to human rights.The NHRC has sought reports from the Police Commissioners of Delhi and Gautam Buddha Nagar, as well as the Superintendent of Police in Mainpuri, and asked them to provide the required information within two weeks.
The forensic findings, CCTV material, statements and other evidence will be considered by investigators while preparing the case. The allegations against the arrested men remain subject to investigation and judicial determination.
