Hyderabad Airport Crime: Police in Shamshabad have arrested a 23-year-old cab driver for allegedly sexually assaulting a 37-year-old cabin crew member of a private airline while she was en route to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) for official duty.
According to police statements and media reports, the driver diverted the designated route to a secluded area near an under-construction site under the pretext of taking a short break before carrying out the assault.
The suspect, identified as Errapogu Prashanth Kumar, was apprehended shortly after the incident and has been remanded to judicial custody following a court appearance.
Detour to Isolated Area Near Under-Construction Site
Hyderabad Airport Crime: According to police sources, the incident occurred at approximately 2:40 PM on July 20, when the woman boarded an office-arranged cab from her residence in Shamshabad to cover the short distance to the airport for her scheduled shift.
Police officials detailed the sequence of events as follows:
Unplanned Route Change: As the vehicle approached the airport perimeter, the driver took a detour along a low-traffic stretch, claiming he needed to attend to a nature’s call.
Location of the Incident: The driver parked the vehicle near an under-construction international school located about three kilometers from the airport.
The Assault: After exiting the vehicle briefly, the driver suddenly opened the rear door, assaulted the victim physically, and sexually violated her inside the cab.
Police Intervention, Medical Evaluation, and Suspect Arrest
Following the assault, the driver fled the scene in the vehicle, leaving the victim behind as she raised an alarm. According to media reports, a local worker assisted the woman in contacting the police.
Key Investigation Milestones:
Immediate Complaint: The victim approached the RGIA Police Outpost right outside the airport premises on the day of the incident to lodge an official complaint.
Support and Counseling: Authorities shifted the victim to a local Bharosa Centre to provide immediate counseling and psychological support.
Apprehension and Confession: Acting on specific inputs and details provided by the victim, police identified and arrested 23-year-old Errapogu Prashanth Kumar from the Siddhanti area in Shamshabad on Tuesday morning.
Inspector B Kiran Kumar confirmed that the suspect confessed to the crime during interrogation.
Judicial Remand: Following mandatory medical examinations, the accused was produced before a local court, which remanded him to judicial custody. Charges filed include rape and physical assault.
Official Statement from Airline Management
In response to the incident, the airline issued an official statement acknowledging the situation and affirming its commitment to supporting the victim and cooperating with law enforcement agencies.
An airline spokesperson stated that the company is fully aware of the matter and is actively cooperating with the relevant law enforcement agencies investigating the crime.
The airline emphasized that it stands firmly by its colleague during this challenging period, offering comprehensive support to her and her family as the legal process moves forward.
Status of Ongoing Investigation
Authorities at the RGIA Police Station confirmed that the vehicle involved in the crime has been impounded as physical evidence.
Further legal proceedings and forensic evaluations are currently underway as investigators prepare the final charge sheet for court submission.