Indian-origin driver rapes passenger in US after victim falls unconscious in cab
A rideshare driver of Indian origin has been arrested in the United States for allegedly raping a young woman after she lost consciousness during a cab ride in California, according to local law enforcement officials.
The suspect has been identified as 35-year-old Simranjit Singh Sekhon, a resident of Bakersfield, who was taken into custody following an investigation by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office into the reported sexual assault of a 21-year-old woman.
Police said the case came to light in November 2025 when the Major Crimes Sexual Assault Unit received a complaint from Camarillo. Investigators stated that the woman had been picked up from a bar in Thousand Oaks at around 1:00 am on November 27 for a ride home. Officers noted that the victim was intoxicated and “unable to care for herself” at the time of pickup.
During the journey, the woman reportedly fell asleep in the cab. However, authorities said that although the ride was shown as completed on the system, Sekhon continued driving around Camarillo and allegedly sexually assaulted the victim while she was unconscious.
Following the investigation, Sekhon was arrested on December 15 and booked on charges of raping an unconscious and particularly vulnerable victim. He has pleaded not guilty to the allegations. His bail has been set at $500,000, and he is scheduled to appear in court again on December 29.
Police said detectives are also investigating the possibility of additional victims who may not have come forward. Authorities did not disclose which rideshare company the suspect was driving for at the time of the incident, nor did they provide details regarding his immigration status.
The case has raised renewed concerns over passenger safety in rideshare services, particularly involving vulnerable individuals travelling late at night.
